Torque magnitude control using electrorheological fluids

摘要

A device for controlling the magnitude of torque transmitted from a torque supply source to an output drive device utilizing a contained electrorheological fluid medium. A pair of wetted surface plates, each operably connected to one of the supply and drive device via a shaft, are immersed in the fluid medium. Electrical energy is applied to the fluid to cause a pseudo-solid to form between the plates thereby facilitating the transmission of torque.