Abstract: A Constant Force Control methodology and system utilizing integrated sensors and unique control algorithms to determine required applied force to mitigate shock events in an adaptive energy absorption system, typically comprising of a spring and an adjustable energy absorber or damper element. By utilizing an expected acceleration profile and event duration for an anticipated shock event an acceleration amplitude can be determined from a measure impact velocity. From this and a measured payload mass a system controller can determine the force necessary to be applied by the energy absorber in order to stop the payload over the full desired length of the available energy absorber stroke in order to minimize the forces experienced by the payload.

Abstract: A Constant Force Control methodology and system utilizing integrated sensors and unique control algorithms to determine required applied force to mitigate shock events in an adaptive energy absorption system, typically comprising of a spring and an adjustable energy absorber or damper element. By utilizing an expected acceleration profile and event duration for an anticipated shock event an acceleration amplitude can be determined from a measure impact velocity. From this and a measured payload mass a system controller can determine the force necessary to be applied by the energy absorber in order to stop the payload over the full desired length of the available energy absorber stroke in order to minimize the forces experienced by the payload.

Abstract: A system and method for self-powered magnetorheological-fluid damping of mechanical vibrations includes a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is configured for at least partially disposing magnetorheological fluid therein. A piston head is disposed within the hydraulic cylinder. The piston head has first and second sides and is configured to be in sliding engagement with the hydraulic cylinder. A piston rod is at least partially disposed within the hydraulic cylinder and is connected to the piston head on the first side. The system also includes a vibration absorber assembly having housing. The vibration absorber assembly is configured to transduce mechanical vibrations of the piston rod to electric current.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid damping system includes a hydraulic cylinder, a piston head, a piston rod, and a porous valve. The hydraulic cylinder configured for disposing magnetorheological fluid therein. The piston head is disposed within the hydraulic cylinder and has first and second sides defining first and second chambers within the hydraulic cylinder. The piston head is configured to be in sliding engagement with the hydraulic cylinder. The piston rod is connected to the piston head. The porous valve includes a magnetorheological fluid pathway, has first and second fluid connections, and is configured to dampen the flow of the magnetorheological fluid between the first and second fluid connections in accordance with a magnetic field. The first fluid connection is fluidly connected to the first chamber and the second fluid connection is fluidly connected to the second chamber. The magnetorheological fluid pathway partially directs magnetorheological fluid flow through a porous media.

Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-speed, high-force impulse load damper susceptible to adaptive control including a cylinder, a piston defining in the cylinder a volume, a coil, fixed relative to the cylinder, configured to generate a magnetic field, and a fluid channel, configured to be influenced by the magnetic field, for one or both of providing fluid to and evacuating fluid from the volume. Also disclosed is a damper including a cylinder, a piston defining in said cylinder a first volume and a second volume, a first fluid channel for one or both of providing fluid to and evacuating fluid from the first volume, first means for regulating flow through said first fluid channel, a second fluid channel for one or both of providing fluid to and evacuating fluid from the second volume, and second means for regulating flow through said second fluid channel, wherein said first fluid channel and said second fluid channel are in fluid communication.