Non-newtonian flow fluid-locking mechanism for vehicles

Details Non-newtonian flow fluid-locking mechanism for vehicles Non-newtonian flow fluid-locking mechanism for vehicles

2007-01-23

2007-01-23

Culbreth, Eric (Department: 3616)

Land vehicles

Wheeled

Running gear

C074S493000, C280S779000

Reexamination Certificate

active

10169664

ABSTRACT:
An assembly is provided for fixing the position of an adjustable component (22) of a vehicle, comprising in combination a fixed reference frame (20) within the vehicle such as a dash or a firewall, an adjustable component (22) also disposed in the vehicle such as an adjustable steering column (10), pedals, or a seat. Interconnecting the fixed reference frame (20) and the adjustable component (22) is a fluid locking mechanism (50) which permits selective positioning of the adjustable component relative to the fixed reference frame (20) and holds the adjustable component (22) in position. The fluid locking mechanism (50) is preferably a non-Newtonian flow fluid locking mechanism which uses a magneto-rheological fluid (97) to fix the position of the adjustable component (22) in place once the desired position is selected. To provide additional safety for the vehicle occupants, the fluid locking mechanism may be controlled by an electrical microprocessor (556) or circuit which adjusts the locking strength of the fluid locking mechanism (50) based upon user inputs and dynamic events.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3487712 (1970-01-01), Steiner
patent: 3948339 (1976-04-01), Iwanaga
patent: 4096930 (1978-06-01), Viscardi
patent: 4507982 (1985-04-01), Turner et al.
patent: 5259487 (1993-11-01), Petek
patent: 5277281 (1994-01-01), Carlson et al.
patent: 5284330 (1994-02-01), Carlson et al.
patent: 5332260 (1994-07-01), Heinrichs et al.
patent: 5419581 (1995-05-01), Schafer et al.
patent: 5449199 (1995-09-01), Heinrichs et al.
patent: 5492312 (1996-02-01), Carlson
patent: 5547019 (1996-08-01), Iacullo
patent: 5652704 (1997-07-01), Catanzarite
patent: 5693004 (1997-12-01), Carlson et al.
patent: 5711746 (1998-01-01), Carlson
patent: 5816372 (1998-10-01), Carlson et al.
patent: 6279952 (2001-08-01), Van Wynsberghe et al.
patent: 6296280 (2001-10-01), Struble et al.
patent: 6514001 (2003-02-01), Yezersky et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Non-newtonian flow fluid-locking mechanism for vehicles does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Non-newtonian flow fluid-locking mechanism for vehicles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Non-newtonian flow fluid-locking mechanism for vehicles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3788429