Lightweight magnetic particle device
AssigneeEaton Corporation
InventorsDale Arden Stretch, Wade Alan Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multiple working surface magnetic particle device for transferring torque between two rotatable members is disclosed. The magnetic particle device comprises relatively rotatable members defining a gap therebetween containing a magnetically reactive medium The magnetically reactive medium stiffens in the presence of a magnetic field interlocking the rotatable members. The multiple working surface design allows for a reduction in the size and weight of the magnetic field source resulting in a more compact, lighter weight device.
Claims10
A magnetic particle device comprising:
- a stationary housing member having a duct therethrough for receiving a rotatable shaft;
- said rotatable shaft having a first rotatable member mounted thereon;
- a second rotatable member positioned radially outwardly of said first rotatable member, said first and second rotatable members cooperating to define a gap therebetween, said gap containing a magnetically reactive medium;
- a source of magnetic flux;
- said first rotatable member and said second rotatable member including a plurality annular grooves, said grooves positioned to create a plurality of working surfaces;
- and
- wherein said magnetic flux is forced to travel a weaving path substantially between said grooves, traversing said gap substantially through said working surfaces so as to magnetize said magnetically reactive medium and transforming said medium into a torque transmitting coupling thereby permitting the transfer of torque between said first and second rotatable surfaces.
A magnetic particle clutch device comprising:
- a stationary housing member having a duct therethrough for receiving a rotatable shaft;
- said rotatable shaft having a first rotatable member mounted thereon;
- a second rotatable member positioned radially outwardly of said first rotatable member, said first and second rotatable members cooperating to define a gap therebetween, said gap containing a magnetically reactive medium;
- a plurality of continuous non-contacting annular sealing members so as to impede the escape of said magnetically reactive medium from said gap;
- a source of magnetic flux;
- said first rotatable member and said second rotatable member including a plurality of annular grooves, said grooves positioned to create a plurality of working surfaces, wherein said grooves in said second rotatable member are located radially outwardly of a point equidistantly between said grooves in said first rotatable member;
- and
- wherein said magnetic flux is forced to travel a weaving path substantially between said grooves, traversing said gap substantially through said working surfaces so as to magnetize said magnetically reactive medium transforming said medium into a torque transmitting coupling thereby permitting the transfer of torque between said first and second rotatable surfaces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.