초록 ▼

A controllable damper for resisting movement between two relatively moveable members includes a first member and a second member coupled for relative movement having a working space between them, and a controllable medium retaining structure, for example, an absorbent matrix, to hold a controllable

A controllable damper for resisting movement between two relatively moveable members includes a first member and a second member coupled for relative movement having a working space between them, and a controllable medium retaining structure, for example, an absorbent matrix, to hold a controllable medium only in the working space. A cage preferably supports the matrix. A field generating coil is mounted to one of the first and second members to generate a field acting on the first and second members and the controllable medium in the working space. The rheology change in the medium produced by the field results in resistance to relative movement of the first and second members. A device according to the invention may be used in apparatus, such as washing machines, exercise equipment, air supported tables, and a range of other apparatuses that would benefit from controlled damping or braking. Devices including a two-piece outer housing are described.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.](a) a first component including a first member manufactured from a soft-magnetic material,(b) a second component moveable relative to the first component, the second component including;a second member disposed in spaced relation to the first member to form a working space

[What is claimed is:] [1.](a) a first component including a first member manufactured from a soft-magnetic material,(b) a second component moveable relative to the first component, the second component including;a second member disposed in spaced relation to the first member to form a working space therebetween,a matrix structure disposed in the working space,a cage which supports the matrix structure,a field responsive medium retained in the matrix structure, and a field generator which generates a field to act upon and change a rheology of the field responsive medium thereby producing a braking force between the first and second components.