2006-07-14 03:28:22 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
An electrorheological clutch comprises drive and driven members that selectively engage by the application of a voltage to an electroheological fluid provided between the driven and driven members. The drive and driven members are formed with axially-oriented surfaces that define between then axially-oriented spaces for the ER fluid so as to minimize problems with settlement of the ER particles.
2006-07-14 03:32:39 · answer #1 · answered by Ivanhoe Fats 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A car radiator fan may have a clutch that is heat-activated.
This is an electrorheological clutch, drive and driven members are selectively engaged by the application of a voltage to an electroheological fluid (ER). When the temperature is low, the fluid is thin and so the clutch slips. When the temperature is high, the fluid thickens, causing the fan to spin.
2006-07-14 10:39:09 · answer #2 · answered by rhul2008 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An electrorheological clutch is one that use the properties of electrorheology to couple force between the driving and the driven parts. An electrorheological fluid is one whose viscosity changes with applied voltage, thus giving you more or less 'slip' in the clutch.
2006-07-14 10:43:16 · answer #3 · answered by john_on_road 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The force is transmitted through shear stresses. A fluid cannot transmit shear stresses, as it has no crystal structure and a high flow rate. When a voltage is applied, the electrorheological fluid's particles align in a lattice, giving it a variable shear strength (depending on voltage). Then, a rotating disc on one side of the clutch can transfer its rotational energy to the other side of the clutch through the fluid.
New ways are being developed to deal with the problem of settling of the particles as the fluid remains in its solid state for an extended period of time (as stated in the copy/pasted patent link above).
2006-07-14 11:53:09 · answer #4 · answered by Steve S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋