A tensioning set comprises an output member. A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) and connected to the output member, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA through the output member by controlled slippage. A tensioning member is connected to the output member so as to be pulled by the output member upon actuation of the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus, a free end of the tensioning member adapted to exert a pulling action transmitted to an output when being pulled by the output member. The tensioning set, or a comparable compressing set, may be used in systems and robotic arms. A method for controlling movements of an output driven by the tensioning set or compressing set is also provided.

Integrated stator disk devices, systems, and methods for torque generation are provided. The resistive torque-generating device can include an integrated stator disk system including at least one metallic stator disk having a planar disk body, and at least one rotor disposed adjacent to the at least one metallic stator disk such that there are at least two shear areas formed by the at least one metallic stator disk and the at least one rotor; and magneto-rheological material disposed between portions of the at least one metallic stator disk and the at least one rotor. In some embodiments, the rotor(s) is/are a bent rotor(s), thereby providing for increased torque generation while fitting within tight space constraints.

An electromagnetic clutch (1) of an air conditioning compressor (2), in particular for a motor vehicle (11), transmits a torque to a drive shaft (3) of the compressor (2) depending on an electric current (I) being fed to clutch coils (4) of the electromagnetic clutch (1) to generate an electromagnetic clutch force. According to a control method (10), a slippage of the electromagnetic clutch (1) is determined by a difference between the rpms of the electromagnetic clutch (1) and of the drive shaft (3), and is monitored by a slippage sensor (5). The electric current (I) and the resulting clutch force are adjusted dependent on slippage by a pulse width modulation controller (6) of the compressor (2). The pulse width modulation controller (6) is electrically connected to the clutch coils (4) and modulates a pulse width of the electric current (I) fed to the clutch coils (4).

An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.

An aircraft steering system includes an electric actuator, a clutch, at least one plasma actuator, and a controller. The electric actuator is configured to vary an angle of a flight control surface of an aircraft. The clutch is configured to cut off torque by driving of the electric actuator. The torque is to be transmitted to the flight control surface. The at least one plasma actuator is configured to form a flow of air on a surface of the flight control surface when the torque is cut off. The controller is configured to control the electric actuator, the clutch, and the at least one plasma actuator.

Integrated stator disk devices, systems, and methods for torque generation are provided. The resistive torque-generating device can include an integrated stator disk system including at least one metallic stator disk having a planar disk body, and at least one rotor disposed adjacent to the at least one metallic stator disk such that there are at least two shear areas formed by the at least one metallic stator disk and the at least one rotor; and magneto-rheological material disposed between portions of the at least one metallic stator disk and the at least one rotor. In some embodiments, the rotor(s) is/are a bent rotor(s), thereby providing for increased torque generation while fitting within tight space constraints.

A system comprises magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatuses, each magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus including a first rotor having at least one first shear surface, a second rotor rotating about a common axis with the first rotor, the second rotor having at least one second shear surface opposite the at least one first shear surface, the shear surfaces separated by at least one annular space, magnetorheological (MR) fluid in an MR fluid chamber including the at least one annular space, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the rotors when subjected to a magnetic field, and coil(s) actuatable to deliver a magnetic field through the MR fluid such that each said magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is actuatable to selectively transmit actuation by controlled slippage of the rotors with respect to one another. The MR fluid chambers of the second magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatuses are in fluid communication for the MR fluid to circulate between the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatuses.

An example electromagnetic clutch assembly includes a rotatable portion and a stationary portion. The rotatable portion includes a field winding and a clutch body, and the stationary portion includes an exciter winding that is inductively coupled to the rotatable portion and is operable to energize the field winding. The field winding is operable, when energized, to provide a magnetic field that causes engagement or disengagement between the clutch body and an armature body. A method of operating an electromagnetic clutch assembly is also disclosed.

A transmission control unit for a wedge clutch, comprising a controller configured to send one or more signals to a switch connected to the wedge clutch, the switch being configured to demagnetize the wedge clutch by sending current in a first direction to a coil of the wedge clutch.

Systems and methods are shown for electrically controllably transmitting power from a motor involving electrically controllably coupling the first input hub to a shuttle so that power is transmitted from the first input hub to the shuttle, providing for one-way rotation between the shuttle and a stationary chassis, and coupling the shuttle to an output hub with a spring such that energy is stored and released from the spring as the output hub rotates. Examples are shown that include controlling engaged and disengaged time intervals of the first input hub and shuttle to maintain a torque level at the output hub, such as by utilizing pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation. Examples are also shown involving electroadhesively coupling the first input hub to the shuttle.