China Patent Investment Limited

Chau Kwan Nam

Ping Sheng

Weijia Wen

Kin Lun Chan

An electrorheological clutch comprises drive and driven members that selectively engage by the application of a voltage to an electroheological fluid (ER) 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.

Electrorheological clutch

There is disclosed an electromagnetic relay comprising a stationary first member and a second member adapted to move towards and away from the first member such that when the second member move towards the first member an electrical contact is closed. Spring means biases the members apart, and permanent magnet means are provided for generating a force of attraction between the members, and selectively operable means is provided for generating an electromagnetic force. The permanent magnet means has a strength such that when the first and second members are apart the permanent magnet means is insufficient to overcome the spring means, but when the members are brought together the permanent magnet means is able to hold the members together against the spring means. The means for generating an electromagnetic force can be operated in a first condition to provide an attractive force between said members sufficient with the permanent magnet means to overcome the spring means and to bring the members together, and in a second condition to provide a repulsive force between members sufficient with the spring means to overcome the permanent magnet means and move the members apart.

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Hong Kong, China

Chau Kwan Nam