Electroviscous fluid-actuated devices

摘要

An electroviscous fluid actuated device, such as a clutch, comprises relatively rotatable electrode plates (10,11) defining a gap (12) therebetween of 2 mm to 5 mm width. An electroviscous fluid in the gap (12) becomes "solid" when a pulsating d.c. is applied to the plates. Slippage can be controlled by controlling the peak value of the pulsating d.c. The electroviscous fluid comprises a suspension of starch in silicone oil, having a ratio by weight of at least 1:1.