초록 ▼

The present invention provides an electrorheological magnetic (ERM) fluid-based rotary motion damper (12). According to the invention, the ERM fluid-based rotary motion damper (12) generally includes an input shaft (18) coupled to a first damping member (16) and rotatably supporting a second damping

The present invention provides an electrorheological magnetic (ERM) fluid-based rotary motion damper (12). According to the invention, the ERM fluid-based rotary motion damper (12) generally includes an input shaft (18) coupled to a first damping member (16) and rotatably supporting a second damping member (20). A cylinder (28) coupled about the first damping member (16) rotatably engages a housing (36) circumferentially coupled about the second damping member (20). As such, the cylinder (28) is configured for rotary movement relative to the housing (36). ERM fluid (56) disposed in the housing (36) surrounds the cylinder (28) such that it coacts with the housing (36) and cylinder (28). In the presence of a magnetic field, the ERM fluid (56), cylinder (28) and housing (36) frictionally control the rotary movement of the first damping member (16) relative to the second damping member (20).

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A rotary damper for use in spacecraft appendage deployment mechanisms comprising:an input shaft;a first member coupled to said input shaft;a second member disposed proximate said first member, said first member being rotatable relative to said second member;said second me

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A rotary damper for use in spacecraft appendage deployment mechanisms comprising:an input shaft;a first member coupled to said input shaft;a second member disposed proximate said first member, said first member being rotatable relative to said second member;said second member including a circumferential housing having at least a pair of chambers formed therein, one of said chambers accommodating a portion of said first member therein such that said portion is rotatable relative to said housing;an electrorheological magnetic fluid disposed in said one of said chambers and coacting with said portion of said first member and said housing of said second member; andmeans disposed in another of said chambers of said housing for generating a magnetic field across said electrorheological magnetic fluid such that a shear resistance characteristic of said electrorheological magnetic fluid is changed to thereby control relative rotational movement between said first and second members.