US 5,573,088 A · Controllable resistance device and force dampener, and vehicle utilizing the same

Abstract

A variable resistance device capable of utilizing a variable viscosity material, such as an electro-rheological fluid or a magneto-rheological fluid. In one embodiment, a moving member is provided having at least one projecting member for defining a flow path of the variable viscosity material, and for maintaining a precise gap distance between the moving member and other components of the variable resistance device. The moving member engages a shaft so that the moving member is rotatable by the shaft about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and is also slidable on the shaft along the longitudinal axis. A controllable force dampener device is also provided. In one embodiment, a first expandable bellows and a second expandable is seperated by an ER fluid (or MR fluid) valve for controllably restricting the flow of the variable viscosity material between the first bellows and the second bellows to effect active force dampening. The variable resistance device and the force dampener are incorporated into a drive train/braking system and suspension system of a vehicle. Other uses of the inventive variable resistance device include a high efficiency wind-to-energy generator, a reel for the controlled unwinding of a line, a variable resistance exercise device, a safety brake for a circular saw, and other applications where controlled resistance is desired. Other uses of the force dampener include earthquake-proof buildings, dampening vibration of a helicopter rotor or airplane propeller, a high-precision weapons mount, engine mounts, and other applications where active controllable dampening of force is desired.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A resistance device, comprising:

a variable viscosity material capable of undergoing a change in flow characteristics in response to an applied field;
a moving member having at least one surface in contact with the-variable viscosity material so that the change in flow characteristics of the variable viscosity material variably resists movement of the moving member depending on the applied field;
applying means for applying the applied field to the variable viscosity material;
an opposing member disposed in opposing facing relationship with the moving member;
a spacer member disposed for maintaining a gap between the moving member and the opposing member, the spacer member having a variable thickness for selectively varying the gap between the moving member and the opposing member.

2 more elements

A resistance device, comprising:

a variable viscosity material capable of undergoing a change in flow characteristics in response to an applied electrical field;
a shaft having a longitudinal axis;
at least one moving member, each said moving member having at least one surface facing the variable viscosity material, each said moving member having an engaging through-hole for engaging the shaft so that the moving member engages with and is rotatable by the shaft and is slidable on the shaft along the longitudinal axis;
at least one opposing electrode member, each said opposing electrode member being disposed in opposing facing relationship with the surface of at least one corresponding moving member so that the variable viscosity material is disposed between each facing opposing electrode member and the surface of the corresponding moving member;
applying means for applying an electrical potential to each opposing electrode member and an opposite electrical potential to each corresponding moving member so as to apply the electrical field to at least portion of the variable viscosity material disposed between at least one opposing electrode member and the corresponding moving member;
a spacer member disposed for maintaining a gap between the at least one moving member and the at least one opposing electrode member, the spacer member having a variable thickness for selectively varying the gap between the at least one moving member and the at least one opposing electrode member;
and containing means for containing the at least one moving member, at least a portion of the shaft, the spacer member and the at least one opposing electrode member.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Controllable resistance device and force dampener, and vehicle utilizing the same

Life of this patent

Controllable resistance device and force dampener, and vehicle utilizing the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22