초록 ▼

A controllable medium device for resisting movement (rotary, linear, or sliding) 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 absor

A controllable medium device for resisting movement (rotary, linear, or sliding) 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 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.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A controllable device, comprising: (a) a first member and a second member the first and second members arranged for relative movement with a moveable working space defined therebetween; (b) means for producing a field which acts on said working space; (c) absorbent means disposed in said workin

1. A controllable device, comprising: (a) a first member and a second member the first and second members arranged for relative movement with a moveable working space defined therebetween; (b) means for producing a field which acts on said working space; (c) absorbent means disposed in said working space, and being moveable with said working space; and (d) a quantity of a field controllable medium fixedly contained substantially entirely within said absorbent means, said field controllable medium having a rheology that is changed in response to being energized by a field to provide resistance forces between said first member and second member when the first and second members are moved relative to each other.