CONTROLLABLE VIBRATION APPARATUS

摘要

A controllable vibration apparatus such as a linear fluid damper in which an electrical connection to a controllable valve, preferably located in the piston assembly, is made through a single-strand electrical conductor. In one embodiment, the piston and piston rod (24a) are preferably used as the source of low potential (ground or retun electrical path). An accumulator assembly (44a) preferably including a flexible diaphragm (76a) thereon can be used to provide separation of the fluid-containing chambers from a pressurized accumulator chamber. In magnetorheological (MR) fluid dampers, a special sealing system including a defined relationship between surface finish on the piston rod and magnetically soft particle size is described which enhances life of the seal system. A metal bushing (36a) with a friction-reducing surface treatment is used in combination with an energized lip seal (38a) to prevent escape of the magnetic particles from the damper and support side loads. The magnetically controlled valve can be formed from separate top (80a) and bottom (85a) pole pieces that are spaced from an outer annular ring (82a) to define a fluid passageway. The top pole piece and the annular ring can be secured together by bridging elements such as non-magnetic welds, spot welded plates, or alternatively, formed as a single unit using powdered metal processes such as PIM or MIM. The coil assembly (88a) can be configured with axially-extending pins (94a, 96a) to easily connect with a conductor. An elastomeric element (98a) provides electrical and fluid sealing engagement against the single-strand conductor. Push-on connectors (83a) preferably make the connection between the single-strand conductor and the axially extending pins. In a two single-strand conductor version, one single-strand carries the incoming current and the other the outgoing current. 00000