11618results about "Non-rotating vibration suppression" patented technology

An electromagnetic linear generator and regenerative electromagnetic shock absorber is disclosed which converts variable frequency, repetitive intermittent linear displacement motion to useful electrical power. The innovative device provides for superposition of radial components of the magnetic flux density from a plurality of adjacent magnets to produce a maximum average radial magnetic flux density within a coil winding array. Due to the vector superposition of the magnetic fields and magnetic flux from a plurality of magnets, a nearly four-fold increase in magnetic flux density is achieved over conventional electromagnetic generator designs with a potential sixteen-fold increase in power generating capacity. As a regenerative shock absorber, the disclosed device is capable of converting parasitic displacement motion and vibrations encountered under normal urban driving conditions to a useful electrical energy for powering vehicles and accessories or charging batteries in electric and fossil fuel powered vehicles. The disclosed device is capable of high power generation capacity and energy conversion efficiency with minimal weight penalty for improved fuel efficiency.

A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature that operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The damper may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.

The present invention relates to a variable-torque magnetorheologically actuated prosthetic knee which utilizes a plurality of interspersed and alternating rotors and stators to shear magnetorheological fluid in gaps formed therebetween. Advantageously, by operating in the "shear mode" there is substantially no or negligible fluid pressure buildup or change. Moreover, the multiple MR fluid gaps or flux interfaces desirably allow for the production of a large torque at low speed-eliminating the need for a transmission-and also for a wide dynamic torque range. One embodiment of the invention allows the rotors and/or stators to close the gaps therebetween to create a frictional torque component, thereby forming a "hybrid" braking system which provides a total torque or damping which is a combination of viscous torque and frictional torque.

A fan arrangement comprises a fan (10) having a fan housing (30) within which is arranged a blower wheel (18) which, in operation, moves air from an intake side of the fan (10) to a delivery side. Arranged radially outside the fan housing (30) is a surrounding mounting frame (34) that serves to support the fan housing (30). A membrane (32), made of an elastic material, elastically connects the fan housing (30) and mounting frame (34) to one another and is formed with through holes or apertures (33) that, in the event of a closure of the output or delivery side of the fan arrangement (40), enable a return flow, from the delivery side to the intake side of the fan arrangement (40), of air moved by the blower wheel (18).

A control system for a resilient support mechanism such as a suspension mechanism of a wheeled vehicle including a damper disposed between an unsprung mass member and a sprung mass member of the vehicle, wherein a damping coefficient of the damper is divided into a linear portion and a nonlinear portion, and wherein the nonlinear portion of the damping coefficient is defined as a control input u and applied with a frequency weight Wu(s), while a vertical velocity of the sprung mass member, a relative velocity of the sprung mass member to the unsprung mass member and a vertical acceleration of the sprung mass member are defined as an evaluation output zp and applied with a frequency weight Ws(s). In the control system, a nonlinear Hinfin control theory is applied to a generalized plant to obtain a positive definite symmetric solution P and to calculate a target damping force based on the positive definite symmetric solution P and a state amount such as the vertical velocity of the sprung mass member, a relative displacement of the sprung mass member to the unsprung mass member or the like.

A guideless stage for aligning a wafer in a microlithography system is disclosed, and a reaction frame is disclosed which isolates both external vibrations as well as vibrations caused by reaction forces from an object stage. In the guideless stage an object stage is disclosed for movement in at least two directions and two separate and independently movable followers move and follow the object stage and cooperating linear force actuators are mounted on the object stage and the followers for positioning the object stage in the first and second directions. The reaction frame is mounted on a base structure independent of the base for the object stage so that the object stage is supported in space independent of the reaction frame. At least one follower is disclosed having a pair of arms which are respectively movable in a pair of parallel planes with the center of gravity of the object stage therebetween. The linear positioning forces of the actuator drive means are mounted and controlled so that the vector sum of the moments of force at the center of gravity of the object stage due to the positioning forces of the drive means is substantially equal to zero. The actuator mounting means can include at least two thin flexible members mounted in series with the primary direction of flex of the members being orthogonal to one another.

Due to variations arising during manufacturing, axial fans often are slightly imbalanced, resulting in noise during operation, which is undesirable in many contexts, for example when the fan is used for ventilation purposes in a motor vehicle. A fan with improved vibration and noise damping can be achieved by elastically suspending the fan wheel within a first ring formed of a hard plastic, the first ring having a tubular extension formed of a softer plastic, and serving to mechanically connect the first ring to a surrounding annular carrier part. Optionally, the first ring and extension unit can include a spring element. Preferably, the first ring and tubular extension are produced by a multi-component forming technology such as two-plastic technology. The fan is preferably driven by an electronically commutated motor (ECM).

Electro-rheological fluid brake or actuator devices provide controllable resistance with or without inclusion of active torque output in either direction of rotation under manual or computer control. The brake and actuator devices are suitable for use in an orthotic device for a joint, such as the knee or elbow.

A hybrid vehicle drive for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an electric machine which is selectively coupled with the internal combustion engine. The electric machine can be operated as a generator and as a motor. Regulation device which responds to a reference signal predetermined by a reference signal preset device are provided for the active damping of vibrations, especially torsional vibrations in the torque transmission path between the internal combustion engine and wheels of the motor vehicle driven by the latter. The regulation device also respond to sensing device which deliver an actual-value vibration signal containing vibration information about a rotating structural component of the motor vehicle and control the load torque exerted on the internal combustion engine by the electric machine for reducing or eliminating the vibrations of the structural component. An analysis device for determining a frequency spectrum of the actual-value vibration signal is associated with the regulation device. The reference signal preset device establishes a reference signal with predetermined frequency spectrum. The regulation device control the frequency spectrum of the load torque exerted on the internal combustion engine by the electric machine such that excessive spectral vibrations of the actual-value vibration signal are reduced or eliminated.

An object of the present invention is to execute an optimum control of vibrations due to a driver's operation of an accelerator pedal, steering wheel and brake pedal. The operation instructions are inputted into a vibration calculating means (kinetic model) comprising a vehicle body model, suspension model and tire model. Conventional kinetic model controlled the suspension in order to suppress the vehicle body vibration. However, in the kinetic model of the present invention, the tire vibration due to a change in the engine output is first absorbed by the suspension, whereby a residual vibration which was not be absorbed yet by the suspension is transferred to the vehicle body. The operation inputs are compensated by the three feed-back loops between the outputs of the above-mentioned three portions and input of the tire portion, giving the highest priority on the vehicle body model.

A magnetically actuated motion control device includes a housing defining a cavity and including a slot therethrough. A movable member is located within the cavity and is movable relative to the housing. A magnetic field generator located on either the housing or the movable member causes the housing to press against the movable member to develop a friction force.

Systems and methods for providing a haptic device are described. In one described system, a first brake surface of a first element contacts a second brake surface of a second element. At least one actuator is configured to exert a force on at least one of the first and second elements. A flexure is coupled to at least one of the first element, the second element, a housing, a manipulandum, and a shaft coupled to the manipulandum. The flexure provides a degree of rotational flexibility to the manipulandum when the at least one actuator exerts the force. The described system may include a processor in communication with the at least one actuator for providing the haptic effects.

An apparatus of a damper (46) for a bicycle comprising a housing defining a chamber, and a piston, movable in the chamber along a first direction. The apparatus further comprises a controllable means to vary the resistance to movement of the piston in the chamber, a sensor (62), and a controller (58) including a timer. Said sensor measures at least one dynamic quantity and produces an output signal based thereon. Said output signal is received by the controller, and said controller controls said controllable means based on said dynamic quantity as a function of time to control the level of damping. The invention further provides means for manually adjusting the level of rebound damping.

A strut (12) is configured for an active suspension system (142) which provides electronic control for both the force applied by the strut (12) and the dampening characteristics of the strut (12). A compressible fluid (18) is used within the strut (12), and preferably includes a compressible base fluid and electromagnetic field responsive particles (132) which are suspended in the compressible base fluid. The electromagnetic field responsive particles (132) are preferably closely matched in density and modulas of elasticity to that of the compressible base fluid to prevent sedimentation of the particles (132) and to maintain the elasticity of the compressible fluid (18). The amount compressible fluid (18) within the strut (12) is electronically controlled to determine the force applied by the strut (12) and a field strength applied to the compressible fluid in a fluid flow passage is electronically controlled to determine the dampening characteristics of the strut (12).

A shock absorber having a valve controlling the flow rate of fluid between a compression chamber and a rebound chamber in a housing and separated by a piston. The valve has an orifice component and a blocker component, one of which has a permanent magnet, and the other of which has a magnetically permeable material. Upon the application of sufficient fluid pressure, the blocker component is forced away from the orifice component, despite the magnetic bias that tends to attract the two structures. Because the magnetic force decreases as the two components are spaced farther apart, the shock absorber has excellent performance characteristics. Alternatively, a mechanical spring urges the blocker closed, and magnetic attraction between the blocker and a spaced opener mitigates the increased force of the compressed spring tending to close the valve.

A steering triangle (1) is provided for the axle suspension of motor vehicles for the articulated connection of a vehicle axle with a vehicle chassis with two control arms (2, 3). The control arms are connected to each other in a joint housing (6) formed by the control arms (2, 3) together for a rubber-metal bearing (11) for fixing the steering triangle (1) on the vehicle axle. The rubber-metal bearing (11) has a pivot axis (12) provided with a spherical surface and an elastomer body (14), which extends around the pivot axis (12) at least in the area of the spherical surface and which is accommodated in a recess (16) located within the joint housing (6), in which steering triangle two pressing rings (17, 18) are arranged within the recess (16) of the joint housing (6) on the axial outer sides of the elastomer body (14). The pressing rings can be moved toward each other by a tensioning device via the intermediary of stop faces (22) of the joint housing (6). The stop faces are in contact with the outer sides of the pressing rings (17, 18), which outer sides face away from each other. The rubber-metal bearing can be pretensioned both in the axial direction and in the radial direction, so that stronger forces can be absorbed due to the higher rigidity achieved as a result.

An impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, such as a spring-fluid combination, a plurality of interconnected disks, or a Belleville spring, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is optionally provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance.

A bracket includes a rigid member that can be fastened to a fixture such as a wall, and flexible elements depend downwardly from the rigid member and are engaged with a tubular motor assembly of a window covering, awning, projector screen, or the like, to couple the motor assembly to the fixture while attenuating the propagation of vibrations from the tubular motor assembly to the fixture. This reduces noise in the room. The flexible elements may be flexible strings, elastic strings, or coil springs and have horizontal stiffness coefficients much lower than the vertical stiffness coefficient.

A controllable brake includes a rotor supported on one shaft end. The rotor is housed within a chamber containing a field controllable material which is acted upon by a magnetic field generator to change the rheology of the material and thereby impede movement of the rotor. The shaft is supported by two bearings which, in combination with the housing define a second housing chamber adapted to enclose means for monitoring and/or controlling the brake and in this way, an integrated, compact controllable brake is provided.

A magnetic controlled loading device in combination of a power generating set and an adjusting drive mechanism having a flywheel, a shaft, a transmission element, a magnetic controlled loading device, a micro power generating set and an adjusting drive mechanism integrated into one single unit. It can also be taken apart and used in various combinations. By fully utilizing the limited space without increasing the volume of the flywheel and internal components, a rotor and a stator are disposed in the center of the magnetic controlled loading device. This makes the rotor's permanent magnets to be set on top of the flywheel's inner ring, so that when the flywheel is in operation, it turns into a micro power generating set. By utilizing its self generating power supply, it can provide the power needed by a small motor and by manual adjustments it can also control the changes in magnetic flux density between the flywheel and device as well to achieve continuous adjustment of loading resistance.

A force feedback interface device that provides force feedback to a joystick handle manipulated by a user. A force feedback device inputs control signals to a computer and outputs forces to a user of the force feedback device. The device includes a housing gripped by the user of the force feedback device and a joystick handle manipulable in at least two rotary degrees of freedom by the user, such as a gamepad. Sensors detect a position of the joystick handle and two direct drive actuators each provide torque in a rotary degree of freedom. Each of the actuators is a brushless, single phase actuator having a grounded excitation coil and a moving magnetic material. The joystick is mechanically constrained to not move past either of two limits where the torque output by the actuator in an unenergized state changes direction. The joystick handle can be oriented such that a center position is substantially at a local minimum reluctance position of the actuator, where the joystick is mechanically constrained to not move substantially past either local maximum reluctance position adjacent to the local minimum reluctance position. The local minimum reluctance position can in some embodiments provide a centering spring force on the joystick handle.

The invention involving a magnetorheological fluid damping device for automobile suspension system.The magnetic field generator of this damping device consists of permanent magnet and electromagnetic coil.On the top of the damping device,there are guide apparatus and damping regulator,the function of which is that to ensure the damping channel is uniform annular duct and to meet the high-damp requirement in the restoration process and low-damp requirement in the compression process of damper seperately.The current in the electromagnetic coil designs of bi-directional and this controls the magnetic field intersity of the damping channel,decreases the excitation current of the electromagnetic coil,reduces energy consumption and decreases damper fever.On the non-controlling conditions,this damping device has the equivalent characteristics of the traditional shock absorber and can instead the passive shock absorber,after equiping corresponding current controller,this device can regulate the damping characteristics of suspension system,which improves the automobile driving safety and ride comfort.

A magnetorheological damper system comprising a reservoir in communication with a damper. The damper comprises a damper cylinder defining a damper chamber, wherein the damper chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid and a movable damper piston. The damper piston comprises at least two coil windings on the outer surface of the damper piston, wherein the damper piston is capable of generating a magnetic field between the damper piston and a wall of the damper cylinder. The reservoir comprises a reservoir cylinder defining a passageway, wherein the reservoir includes a magnetorheological electromagnet capable of generating a magnetic field between the magnetorheological piston and a wall of the passageway. The combination of the an MR reservoir and MR damper leads to a damping system capable of damping a wide range of extreme forces.

A seismic energy dissipation system for use with structures such as buildings, bridges and the like. The system includes a gravity frame, at least one reaction frame, and connection apparatus for connecting the gravity frame and the reaction frame. The connection apparatus includes springs for setting a period of response and energy dissipation units for dissipating energy within the structure, thus controlling the response of a structure with respect to internal forces, accelerations and deformations due to external excitations such as wind or earthquake.

A variable damping-force damper includes a cylinder tube filled with magnetic particles (MRF), a piston that is slidably disposed within the cylinder tube, a piston rod connected with the piston and is disposed so as to protrude out of one end of the cylinder tube and a rod guide that closes one end of the cylinder tube and slidably supports the piston rod. The cylinder tube has a Ni plating film whose Vickers hardness is 800 VHN or more on its inner peripheral surface and the piston slides relative to the Ni plating film. The rod guide has a structure having a predetermined base material portion and a fluorine resin contained Ni plating film that is treated by heat and is provided on the surface of the base material portion. The piston rod slides relative to the fluorine resin contained Ni plating film.

A magneto-rheological ("MR") damper having a damper body tube containing an MR fluid. A piston assembly is disposed in the damper body tube and forms an annular flow gap between the piston assembly and the damper body tube. The piston assembly has a piston core containing ferrous material and an electromagnetic coil mounted on the piston core for generating a magnetic field. The damper further includes a ferromagnetic member positioned outside of the damper body tube substantially adjacent the piston assembly for providing at least a part of a magnetic flux return path for the magnetic field.

The invention described is a system for seismic isolation or vibration of structures which is simple, relatively inexpensive and readily used for smaller structures. It involves use of bearings comprising a ball (10) and ball seats (12, 18) interposed between the structure and its foundation. Either the ball itself (24) or the seat surface (15) on which it rolls is compressible, the resistance to that compression providing a frictional braking force resisting rolling of the ball. This serves to dampen relative movement between the structure and its foundation. There are described several alternative constructions of the friction ball which is the preferred central element in the bearing device. There may be a plurality of balls (44, 47) in each combination of balls and seats.

A device for control of the effects of vibrations on vibration sensitive equipment when a plurality of the devices are placed on a support surface and in operative contact with the vibration sensitive equipment is a unitary piece of a soft, pliable substance. The device has a top and a bottom and an exterior side wall extending between the top and the bottom. The exterior side wall is formed into a plurality of distinct levels between the top and the bottom, to thereby isolate vibrations which can affect the performance of the piece of vibration sensitive equipment.

An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. An alternate configuration of a dual-goal energy absorption system is also disclosed that enables both shock mitigation and vibration isolation.

A methodology for designing structured metamaterials that can reflect, absorb and focus the propagation of both scalar acoustic and vector elastic waves is described. Three exemplary representative inventions based on the disclosed invention are described, illustrating i) compact ultra-wide broadband isolation, ii) sub-wavelength gaps and negative index propagation utilizing a single material platform, and iii) a fundamentally new method of producing multiple high frequency spectral gaps. Such metamaterial designs possess a wide range of potential applications, ranging from but not limited to, isolating an entity from external mechanical or acoustical vibrations, compact focusing lenses as well as cascaded high frequency filters for wave shaping and nonlinear wave propagation control.