US 12,422,010 B1
Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) apparatuses, methods, and systems, including bushings for vibrational damping or isolation
Michael D. Bartlett, Blacksburg, VA (US); David C. Jiles, Ames, IA (US); Edward J. Barron, Blacksburg, VA (US); Winnie M. Kiarie, Ames, IA (US); William E. Ott, Sioux Center, IA (US); and Tye B. Davis, Sioux Center, IA (US)
Assigned to Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc., Ames, IA (US); and Link Mfg., Ltd., Sioux Center, IA (US)
Filed by Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc., Ames, IA (US); and LINK MFG., LTD., Sioux Center, IA (US)
Filed on Nov. 4, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/453,608.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/198,689, filed on Nov. 4, 2020.
Int. Cl. F16F 1/36 (2006.01); F16F 1/373 (2006.01); F16F 15/00 (2006.01); F16F 15/08 (2006.01); H01F 1/44 (2006.01); B60G 17/015 (2006.01); B60G 17/02 (2006.01)
CPC F16F 1/3615 (2013.01) [F16F 1/3732 (2013.01); F16F 15/002 (2013.01); F16F 15/08 (2013.01); H01F 1/447 (2013.01); B60G 17/0157 (2013.01); B60G 17/02 (2013.01); B60G 2204/41 (2013.01); B60G 2204/62 (2013.01); B60G 2206/73 (2013.01); B60G 2500/22 (2013.01); B60G 2600/182 (2013.01); B60G 2600/73 (2013.01); B60G 2800/162 (2013.01); B60G 2800/916 (2013.01); F16F 2222/06 (2013.01); F16F 2224/025 (2013.01); F16F 2228/066 (2013.01); F16F 2230/18 (2013.01); F16F 2234/02 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus to provide adjustable stiffness comprising:
a. a coil having a core, opposite ends, and a pre-selected number of turns and/or layers along a central magnetic axis;
b. a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) with a form factor having at least a portion substantially along and at or near the coil and without appreciable magnetic shielding between the coil and the MRE;
c. a non-magnetic interlayer radially positioned along the central magnetic axis of the coil between the MRE and the coil, and magnetically permeable flanges spaced apart along the central magnetic axis along the interlayer and at or near opposite ends of the coil, wherein the interlayer and flanges are positioned within a casing and end caps of the casing; and
d. a control circuit operatively electrically connected to the coil and adapted to control electrical current through the coil to adjust stiffness of the MRE.