Failsafe magnetorheological (mr) energy absorber
AssigneesInno Vital Systems, Inc., University of Maryland, College Park
InventorsGregory J. Hiemenz, Norman M. Wereley
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Abstract
A compact and failsafe magnetorheological energy absorber design including both a light weight piston (LWP) embodiment in which linear motion is subjected to a linear damping force, and a light weight rotary vane (LWRV)embodiment in which linear motion is converted into rotary motion and is subjected to a rotary damping force. Both embodiments allow increased damper stroke within a compact mechanical profile. A new lightweight Magnetorheological energy attenuation system (LMEAS) for a vehicle seat is also disclosed using the new LMRW MREA.
Claims25
A rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber (MREA), comprising:
- a housing defining a sealed interior;
- magnetorheological fluid in the interior of said housing;
- a rotor mounted on a shaft inside said housing in exposure to said magnetorheological fluid;
- a stator body mounted stationery relative to said housing;
- at least one permanent magnet attached to said stator body for generating a constant baseline magnetic field in said magnetorheological fluid;
- electromagnetic coils wound about said stator body for generating an offset magnetic field in said magnetorheological fluid;
- a damping characteristic of the magnetorheological fluid on said rotor comprising a function of said constant baseline electromagnetic field and said variable offset electromagnetic field.
A magnetorheological energy absorber (MREA), comprising:
- a housing defining a sealed interior;
- magnetorheological fluid within the interior of said housing;
- a rotor mounted on a shaft inside said housing in exposure to said magnetorheological fluid;
- a stator body mounted stationary relative to said housing;
- at least one switchable magnet attached to said stator body for generating a baseline magnetic field in said magnetorheological fluid;
- electromagnetic coils wound about sad stator body for generating an offset magnetic field in said magnetorheological fluid;
- a damping characteristic of the magnetorheological fluid on said rotor comprising a function of said constant baseline electromagnetic field and said variable offset electromagnetic field.
A magnetorheological energy absorber (MREA), comprising:
- a housing defining a sealed interior;
- magnetorheological fluid within the interior of said housing;
- a piston body mounted inside said housing in exposure to said magnetorheological fluid;
- at least one permanent magnet attached to said piston body for generating a baseline magnetic field in said magnetorheological fluid;
- electromagnetic coils wound about said piston body for generating an offset magnetic field in said magnetorheological fluid;
- a damping characteristic of the magnetorheological fluid on said piston body comprising a function of said constant baseline electromagnetic field and said variable offset electromagnetic field.
A magnetorheological seat suspension, comprising:
- a frame for supporting a passenger seat;
- a passenger seat having a yoke attached thereto, said passenger seat being movably mounted to said frame by said yoke;
- at least one magnetorheological energy absorber (MREA)mounted on said frame;
- at least one spring mounted on said frame;
- and
- at least one suspension cable running between said at least one spring and said passenger seat or yoke and engaged to said MREA.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.