Patent ID: 6514001
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: B60N,B62D,E05F,E05Y,F16B,F16F,Y10T

Abstract:
A variable length shaft system comprising:a housing defining an internal space having at least one spline portion positioned therein; a shaft including at least one spline portion which engages said at least one spline portion of said housing; a plunger system located within said internal space and connected to said shaft; a volume of magneto-rheological fluid locked within said internal space; and an electro-magnet located in close proximity to said magneto-rheological fluid, wherein the electro-magnet is arranged to selectively liquefy the magneto-rheological fluid to allow the plunger system to be moved within the internal space to axially move the shaft relative to the housing to attain a desired overall length for the shaft system, and solidify the fluid thereafter to inhibit movement of the plunger system to lock the shaft system at the attained length.