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Copyright © 1999 Adams Business Media, Inc. Would You Like A Reprint of
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Motion Control with Magneto-Rheological Fluid Two motion control concepts incorporating
Rheonetic Fluid Technology were introduced in March by Lord Corporation, Cary, NC, at the
1999 National Design and Engineering Show and Conference in Chicago. By placing the
company's Rheonetic braking devices in parallel to pneumatic actuators, accurate and
robust motion control is achieved. The company reports these capabilities far surpass
those of conventional two-position pneumatic devices. Through the closed-loop feedback of a position sensor, a controller receives the position signal and commands both a simple directional solenoid valve and the RF brakes in such a way that complex position and velocity profiles are tracked. In one concept, linear Rheonetic brakes are placed in parallel with a standard air cylinder that has an integrated position sensor, not only controlling stop points but speed and impact of start/stop, as well. A similar design couples a Rheonetic rotary brake to the linear output of an air cylinder through a rack-and-pinion configuration. Using low-voltage power supplies and off-the-shelf pneumatic cylinders, the company's position control devices ultimately provide simpler, more flexible, cost-effective motion control solutions. Rheonetic Fluid Technology is based on magneto-rheological fluid. When a magnetic field is applied to the fluid, its viscosity changes to a near-solid. Varying voltages to an electro-magnetic element produce an infinite range of control. Other applications of this technology currently being marketed are racing shocks manufactured by Carrera, and the Motion Master Ride Management System manufactured by Lord Corporation. -- KC For more information on the company's pneumatic position control devices or Rheonetic Fluid Technology, contact Lord Corporation, Materials Division, 110 Lord Drive, Cary, NC 27511. 919-469-2500 Ext. 2117. http://www.rheonetic.com Circle 555. Copyright © 1999 Adams Business Media, Inc. Would You Like A Reprint of
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