Cambridge Enterprise Limited

University of California

Cambridge University Technical Services Limited

Mclaren Racing Limited

Penske Racing Shocks

Malcolm Clive Smith

Bill J Gartner

Neil E Houghton

Faryar Jabbari

Zheng Jiang

Roger Morgan Goodall

Tryphon T Georgiou

Peter J G Long

Anthony Richard Glover

Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to devices that allow for adjusting of device parameters in a manner that does not involve power dissipation in an essential way. Thus, power demands when such devices are used in applications can be insignificant. This applies to both springs and inerters, which constitute basic lossless building blocks of mechanical device systems, and are analogues of inductors and capacitors in electrical circuits. Embodiments of this disclosure are also directed to a lossless adjustable 2-port transformer, and realization of mechanical translational and rotary transformers are set forth in the following. Embodiments of this disclosure allow for reduction of power demands in adjusting device parameters.

Lossless continuously adjustable devices

A suspension system for a train vehicle includes at least one inerter to minimize track wear. Track wear may be measured by direct measures such as wear work, or indirect measures such as yaw stiffness. 'Minimizing' track wear means that such measures are reduced below values which are achievable with conventional technology while maintaining acceptable values of other performance metrics, such as ride comfort or least damping ratio. The suspension system may comprise at least one damper connected in series with the at least one inerter. The suspension system may be the primary or the secondary suspension system of a train vehicle.

Train suspension system

A device for use in the control of mechanical forces is provided. The device includes first and second terminals for connection to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces and independently moveable. The device further comprises a hydraulic device connected between the terminals and containing a liquid. The hydraulic device is configured to produce upon relative movement of the terminals, a liquid flow to generate an inertial force due to the mass of the liquid to control the mechanical forces at the terminals such that they are substantially proportional to the relative acceleration between the terminals.

Force-controlling hydraulic device

A mechanical device for use in the control of mechanical forces. The device comprising first and second terminals which, in use, are connected to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces. These terminals are moveable with respect to one another. The device further comprises means connected between the terminals to control the mechanical forces at the terminals. These mechanical forces are proportional to the relative acceleration between the terminals, wherein the proportionality term is either a fixed constant or a variable function.

Force-controlling mechanical device

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Malcolm Clive Smith