The present disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for controlling and varying frictional force levels at an interface.
Various systems utilize actuators to control friction at an interface such as within a clutch, brakes, bearings, suspension, steering and others. Such actuators may be complicated and relatively heavy in weight. Further, other operational or functional requirements such as limited packaging space may prevent effective control of frictional force levels.
A friction control device according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes an active material layer and a slotted shield with a multiple of slots through which at least a portion of the active material layer is selectively operable to expand.
A system according to another disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes a second component movable with respect to a first component; a friction control device between the first component and the second component, the friction control device including: an active material layer; and a slotted shield with a multiple of slots through which at least a portion of the active material layer is selectively operable to change a frictional force between the first component and the second component.
A method for controlling a frictional interface between a first component and a second component, according to another disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes selectively expanding an active material through a multiple of slots to change a frictional force between the first component and the second component.
The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, the following description and drawings are intended to be exemplary in nature and non-limiting.
Various features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed non-limiting embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
When actuated, the active material layer 22 may expand to, in one example, twice its thickness, but a variable thickness is readily achieved through control of the actuation signal such as through a variable current. Alternatively, the active material layer 22 is selectively contracted in response to the actuation signal.
The slotted shield 24, according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment includes a multiple of slots 26 arranged through which the active material layer 22 extends when in the actuated condition (
The multiple of slots 26 operate to stabilize and focus the active material layer 22 when actuated. That is, the active material layer 22 selectively extends at least partially through the multiple of slots 26 when in an actuated condition (
The multiple of slots 26 may include slots of various widths W and/or lengths L 26-1, 26-2, 26-3 and combinations thereof (
With reference to
In this disclosed non-limiting embodiment, the first component 32A rotates relative to the second component 34A about the axis A and the slots 26A are arranged transverse to the direction of rotation (illustrated schematically by arrow R). That is, the slots 26A are arranged generally parallel to the axis A. In another disclosed non-limiting embodiment, the first component 32B slides relative to the second component 34B along an axis B and the slots 26B of the friction control device 20B are transverse to the axis B (
With reference to
With reference to
It should be appreciated that these are but illustrated examples, and that various systems may benefit herefrom.
It should be understood that relative positional terms such as “forward,” “aft,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” and the like are with reference to the normal operational attitude of the vehicle and should not be considered otherwise limiting.
Although the different non-limiting embodiments have specific illustrated components, the embodiments of this invention are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the non-limiting embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.
It should be understood that like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings. It should also be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements will benefit herefrom.
Although particular step sequences are shown, described, and claimed, it should be understood that steps may be performed in any order, separated or combined unless otherwise indicated and will still benefit from the present disclosure.
The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Various non-limiting embodiments are disclosed herein, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that various modifications and variations in light of the above teachings will fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described. For that reason the appended claims should be studied to determine true scope and content.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20150090544 A1 | Apr 2015 | US |