Everybody,
I'm working on a project that needs a slip clutch or brake or
something. I'm turning handwheels that need some sort of instantly
variable resistance to turning . Anywhere from 0 to 40 inch pounds. I
have been looking at magnetic particle clutches and brakes, eddy
current brakes, and disc type clutches and brakes. The magnetic
particle brakes would seem to be a good solution except that the ones
I have seen that can provide enough drag have too much drag when not
energized and have too large a diameter. About 3 inches diameter by
about 3.5 inches long is the space the clutch or brake must fit in. I
am considering rolling my own devices but am not sure how I would do
it. Maybe some sort of generator feeding a resistive load. By varying
the field strength the resistance to rotation would increase. Whatever
the solution is the resistance to rotation must be linear to the
current that actuates the device. That's one of the reasons I like the
magnetic particle barkes.
Thanks,
Eric