STF Rotary Power Shunt for Undesired Motion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical mechanisms experience undesired movements that can lead to annoying sounds, property damage, and personal injury, necessitating control over a wide range of forces.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing shear thickening fluid (STF) in chambers to control mechanical movements by dynamically adjusting viscosity based on shear rates, employing sensors and emitters to manage the flow and properties of the fluid, thereby controlling the movement of pistons and objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shear thickening fluid is used to control mechanical movements, then the ability to dynamically adjust viscosity and control forces is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional chambers, sensors, and emitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by employing shear thickening fluid in chambers to control piston movement. The fluid's viscosity changes in response to shear rate, enabling dynamic force control without complex mechanical linkages. This hydraulic approach allows adaptive control while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fluid (viscosity) in response to operating conditions. The shear thickening fluid's viscosity dynamically adjusts based on shear rate, allowing the system to adapt to varying force requirements without structural modifications or complex control mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If sensors and emitters are added to manage fluid flow and properties, then the precision of movement control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shear thickening fluid is self-regulating, automatically adjusting its viscosity in response to shear rate changes without requiring external sensors or emitters for active control. This self-service property reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise movement control through the fluid's inherent rheological response.
3Reliability
If viscosity is dynamically adjusted to control velocity and acceleration, then the ability to prevent unwanted movements is improved, but the response time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shear thickening fluid responds periodically to shear rate changes, dynamically adjusting viscosity only when needed to control piston movement. This periodic action occurs naturally with the fluid's rheological properties, providing reliable control without continuous energy input or active control systems that would increase energy consumption.
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
Effectively manages and controls mechanical movements, reducing undesired effects by dynamically adjusting viscosity to regulate velocity, acceleration, and position, thus preventing unwanted actions.
Implementation Method 1
A shear thickening fluid (STF) configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates
Data Source
AI summary
A power shunt for shunting rotary power from a load device includes a shear thickening fluid (STF) and a chamber containing the STF. The power shunt further includes a drive shaft housed radially within a drive side section of the chamber protruding outward from an end of the chamber for coupling to a lock preventing rotation of the drive shaft. The power shunt further includes a load shaft housed radially within a load side section of the chamber protruding outward through a shaft collar from another end of the chamber for coupling to the load device. The power shunt further includes a drive turbine housed radially within the drive side section coupled to the drive shaft. The power shunt further includes a load turbine housed radially within the load side section at an adjustable operational distance from the drive turbine and coupled to the load shaft.