Rotary Vane MR Energy Absorber for Compact Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock and vibration protection systems are passive and cannot adapt to changing payload weights or real-time environmental conditions, often requiring large and heavy energy absorbers that are not feasible due to design constraints, limiting their effectiveness in vehicular applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact rotary vane magnetorheological (MR) energy absorber that converts linear motion into rotary motion, utilizing rotating vanes and solenoid coils to control MR fluid flow and rheology, allowing for adjustable damping forces and increased stroke within a compact profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional linear-piston MR damper designs are used to provide sufficient stroke and force capability, then energy absorption performance is improved, but device weight and size increase making them prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional linear piston motion into rotary motion by introducing a rotor with vanes that rotate within a housing. This dimensional change from linear to rotary movement allows the same energy absorption capability to be achieved in a more compact configuration, reducing both weight and size while maintaining force and stroke performance
2Reliability
If conventional linear-piston MR damper designs are used to provide sufficient stroke and force capability, then energy absorption performance is improved, but device size increases making them prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional linear piston motion into rotary motion by introducing a rotor with vanes that rotate within a housing. This dimensional change from linear to rotary movement allows the same energy absorption capability to be achieved in a more compact configuration, reducing both weight and size while maintaining force and stroke performance
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is nested within the housing, with the vanes rotating inside the cylindrical chamber. This nested configuration allows the energy absorption mechanism to be compactly integrated, with the rotor fitting within the housing boundaries, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining functional performance
3Device complexity
If passive shock and vibration protection systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing payload weight and environmental conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable damping mechanism that allows the energy absorber to dynamically adapt its characteristics based on operating conditions. The ability to modify damping forces in real-time enables the system to respond to varying payload weights and shock levels, transforming a static passive system into a dynamic adaptive one while maintaining reasonable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change in the rheological properties of the MR fluid through application of magnetic fields, allowing dynamic adjustment of damping forces. By varying the magnetic field strength, the system can adapt its energy absorption characteristics to match different payload weights and shock conditions, providing versatility without excessive complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides enhanced shock and vibration protection by increasing stroke limit, reducing device weight, and offering controllable damping forces, while eliminating the need for air accumulators, thus enhancing protection for equipment and personnel with a compact and adaptable design.
Implementation Method 1
Solenoid coils also mounted within the body control the MR fluid flow through those channels by changing the rheological properties of the fluid with the presence of a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
Magnetorheological (MR) technology is particularly attractive for shock and vibration protection systems as an MR fluid based device can offer an innovative way to achieve what is effectively a continuously adjustable energy absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber, which enables a longer stroke capability in a more compact configuration than conventional magnetorheological devices, is disclosed. This novel device design is attractive for applications where long stroking capability, high force dynamic range, device size, and device weight are important. The improved magnetorheological energy absorber comprises an internal or external flow valve and a hollow body enclosing fixed and rotary vanes as well as magnetorheological fluid. Fluid flow in the valve is restricted as a solenoid is activated, thus adjusting the capability of the device to react torque. Various flow valve configurations are disclosed, as well as various motion translation mechanisms for translating linear motion to rotary motion for use of the rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber. The improved design minimizes the amount of magnetorheological fluid required as compared to conventional linear stroke energy absorbers, thus minimizing device weight.