Magnetorheological torque transmission devices with permanent magnets

A novel type of magnetorheological (MR) clutch whose magnetic circuit contains a combination of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet is described. Without the support of the electromagnet, the permanent magnet generates a magnetic field in the MR fluid shear gap which enables the MR clutch to transmit a torque without the supply of any electric energy. Hence, the operational states of this clutch are reversed with respect to the common MR clutches equipped with an electromagnet only. Three different MR clutches with hybrid magnetic circuits containing permanent magnet and electromagnet were designed, manufactured and tested. The three clutches differ in their number of mechanical parts which can rotate with respect to each other as well as in their size and weight and in their maximum transmittable torque. The largest MR clutch is capable to transmit torques up to nearly 800 Nm. The designs of the three novel MR clutches and the results of the mechanical tests upon variation of the coil current are presented in this paper.