A rotary magneto-rheological torque converter for tension regulation

Li Gang,Du Cheng-Bin,Feng Yong

doi:10.1177/1687814018812304

Li Gang, Du Cheng-Bin + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1177/1687814018812304

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Abstract

In this article, a drum type of transmission device has been developed, which is a double-layer cylinder structure. The working clearance between the inner and the external layers of the device has been filled with intelligent material named magneto-rheological fluid. To use it for tension regulation, theoretical model of its output torque has been constructed based on Bingham’s theory, and the coupling relationship between mechanical structure, electromagnetic circuit, and magneto-rheological fluid is analyzed and simulated using finite element analysis. Higher flux is directed onto the magneto-rheological fluid and greater shear frictions are generated subsequently. The design is practical, and a special seal mechanism which is a combination of magnetic seals and labyrinthine seals is applied in this research to improve sensitivity and to reduce leakage of the device. Then, experiments on prototype indicate that this device has significant advantages of quicker response, larger output, and less heat compared to traditional magnetic particle clutch and some existing disk-type magneto-rheological brakes which were recently reported. The new device may be applied widely in the related winding tension control field in the future.

Highlights

Magnetic particle clutch is a magnetic–elastic conversion equipment that utilizes magnetic energy to achieve torque transmission
This study attempts to introduce a torque transmission device based on smart material named magneto-rheological fluid (MRF)
The width of the work clearance is filled with MRF as much as possible, and at the same time, achieving its balancing magnetic saturation is the most important factor to measure whether the design of the magnetic circuit is appropriate

Summary

Introduction

Magnetic particle clutch is a magnetic–elastic conversion equipment that utilizes magnetic energy to achieve torque transmission. It has been commonly applied in the following fields: packaging, paper making, printing, and textile industry. Raju et al offer a recent progressive review on different types of the magneto-rheological (MR) materials, modeling of them, and MR material–based devices. They point out that the majority of MR brakes and MRFbased clutches are drum type, inverted drum type, Tshaped rotor type, and disk type.[1] Fitrian et al.[2] believe that rotary MR damper has several comparative advantages over linear MR damper.

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