Failsafe magnetorheological (MR) energy absorber

摘要

A compact and failsafe magnetorheological energy absorber design including both a light weight piston (LWP) embodiment in which linear motion is subjected to a linear damping force, and a light weight rotary vane (LWRV) embodiment in which linear motion is converted into rotary motion and is subjected to a rotary damping force. Both embodiments allow increased damper stroke within a compact mechanical profile. A new lightweight Magnetorheological energy attenuation system (LMEAS) for a vehicle seat is also disclosed using the new LMRW MREA.

主权项

1. A rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber (MREA), comprising:
a housing defining a sealed interior; magnetorheological fluid in the interior of said housing; a rotor mounted on a shaft inside said housing in exposure to said magnetorheological fluid; a stator body mounted stationary relative to said housing; at least one permanent magnet attached to said stator body for generating a constant baseline magnetic field in said magnetorheological fluid; electromagnetic coils wound about said stator body for generating an offset magnetic field in said magnetorheological fluid; a damping characteristic of the magnetorheological fluid on said rotor comprising a function of said constant baseline electromagnetic field and said variable offset electromagnetic field.