Shared MR Fluid Clutch Layout for Stable Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch systems face challenges with dynamic response and efficiency due to energy dissipation and property changes over time, particularly in high-torque and high-speed applications, leading to maintenance issues and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple MR fluid clutch apparatuses sharing a common pool of MR fluid, with each clutch having rotors and shear surfaces separated by an annular space, and a single casing for fluid communication, allowing controlled slippage and magnetic field-induced torque transmission, along with pumping features to circulate the MR fluid and maintain uniform properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MR fluid clutch apparatuses operate independently with separate MR fluid chambers, then each clutch can be controlled independently, but the MR fluid properties change over time due to energy dissipation and require separate maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple MR fluid clutch apparatuses into a single integrated system where multiple clutches share a common MR fluid chamber. This merging allows the MR fluid to be shared across all clutch apparatuses, enabling uniform property maintenance through collective circulation and reducing the need for separate maintenance of each clutch's MR fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The common MR fluid chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides MR fluid to all clutch apparatuses, acts as a single circulation system for all clutches, and enables centralized property maintenance for the entire system. The single circulation system performs the universal function of cooling and property uniformization for all clutch apparatuses
2Power
If MR fluid is subjected to high torque and high-speed shear situations, then the clutch can transmit high power, but energy dissipation increases and MR fluid properties change more rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of energy dissipation and MR fluid property changes under high power conditions into a beneficial circulating flow pattern. The energy dissipation that would normally degrade the MR fluid is instead harnessed to drive circulation through the common chamber, ensuring continuous cooling and property uniformization across all clutch apparatuses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous circulation of MR fluid through the common chamber, ensuring that the MR fluid is constantly cooled and its properties are maintained uniformly across all clutch apparatuses. This continuous action prevents the accumulation of heat and property changes that would occur under high power conditions
3Ease of operation
If separate MR fluid chambers are used for each clutch apparatus, then each clutch is independently maintained, but the system is more complex and requires more maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate MR fluid chambers into a single common chamber that serves all clutch apparatuses. This reduction in the number of chambers simplifies the system structure and reduces maintenance requirements, as there is now only one chamber to maintain instead of multiple separate chambers
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
This configuration enhances dynamic performance, reduces energy dissipation, and prolongs the lifespan of MR fluid clutch apparatuses by averaging property changes and maintaining uniform temperature, while also providing a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
magnetorheological (MR) fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the rotors when subjected to a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
at least one coil actuatable to deliver a magnetic field through the MR fluid
Implementation Method 3
the MR fluid absorbs energy that may be proportional to the speed difference and the torque transmitted from the input to the output
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A system comprises magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatuses, each magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus including a first rotor having at least one first shear surface, a second rotor rotating about a common axis with the first rotor, the second rotor having at least one second shear surface opposite the at least one first shear surface, the shear surfaces separated by at least one annular space, magnetorheological (MR) fluid in an MR fluid chamber including the at least one annular space, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the rotors when subjected to a magnetic field, and coil(s) actuatable to deliver a magnetic field through the MR fluid such that each said magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is actuatable to selectively transmit actuation by controlled slippage of the rotors with respect to one another. The MR fluid chambers of the second magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatuses are in fluid communication for the MR fluid to circulate between the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatuses.