Dilatant fluid based object movement control mechanism

A head unit device for controlling motion of an object includes a chamber filled with a shear thickening fluid (STF) and a piston. The piston is housed within the chamber and exerts pressure against the STF from a force applied to the piston from the object. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates. The piston includes at least one piston bypass between opposite sides of the piston that controls flow of the STF between the opposite sides of the piston to selectively react with a shear threshold effect of the first range of shear rates or the second range of shear rates.

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to systems that measure and control mechanical movement and more particularly to sensing and controlling of a linear and/or rotary movement mechanism that includes a chamber with dilatant fluid (e.g., a shear thickening fluid).

Description of Related Art

Many mechanical mechanisms are subject to undesired movement that can lead to annoying sounds, property damage and/or loss, and personal injury and even death. Desired and undesired movements of the mechanical mechanisms may involve a wide range of forces. A need exists to control the wide range of forces to solve these problems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1Ais a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a mechanical and computing system that includes a set of head units10-1through10-N, objects12-1through12-3, computing entities20-1through20-N associated with the head units10-1through10-N, and a computing entity22. The objects include any object that has mass and moves. Examples of an object include a door, an aircraft wing, a portion of a building support mechanism, and a particular drivetrain, etc.

The cross-sectional view ofFIG.1Aillustrates a head unit that includes a chamber16, a piston36, a plunger28, a plunger bushing32, and a chamber bypass40. The chamber16contains a shear thickening fluid (STF)42. The chamber16includes a back channel24and a front channel26, where the piston partitions the back channel24and the front channel26. The piston36travels axially within the chamber16. The chamber16may be a cylinder or any other shape that enables movement of the piston36and compression of the STF42. The STF42is discussed in greater detail with reference toFIGS.1B and1C.

The plunger bushing32guides the plunger28into the chamber16in response to force from the object12-1. The plunger bushing32facilitates containment of the STF within the chamber16. The plunger bushing32remains in a fixed position relative to the chamber16when the force from the object moves the piston36within the chamber16. In an embodiment the plunger bushing32includes an O-ring between the plunger bushing32and the chamber16. In another embodiment the plunger bushing32includes an O-ring between the plunger bushing32and the plunger28.

The piston36includes a piston bypass38between opposite sides of the piston to facilitate flow of a portion the STF between the opposite sides of the piston (e.g., between the back channel24and the front channel26) when the piston travels through the chamber in an inward or an outward direction.

Alternatively, or in addition to, the chamber bypass40is configured between opposite ends of the chamber16, wherein the chamber bypass40facilitates flow of a portion of the STF between the opposite ends of the chamber when the piston travels through the chamber in the inward or outward direction (e.g., between the back channel24and the front channel26).

In alternative embodiments, the piston bypass38and the chamber bypass40includes mechanisms to enable STF flow in one direction and not an opposite direction. In further alternative embodiments, a control valve within the piston bypass38and/or the chamber bypass40controls the STF flow between the back channel24and the front channel26.

The plunger28is operably coupled to a corresponding object by one of a variety of approaches. A first approach includes a direct connection of the plunger28to the object12-1such that linear motion in any direction couples from the object12-1to the plunger28. A second approach includes the plunger28coupled to a cap44which receives a one way force from a strike48attached to the object12-2. A third approach includes a pushcap46that receives a force from a rotary-to-linear motion conversion component that is attached to the object12-3. In an example, the object12-3is connected to a camshaft110which turns a cam109to strike the pushcap46.

In an embodiment, two or more of the head units are coupled by a head unit connector112. When so connected, actuation of a piston in a first head unit is essentially replicated in a piston of a second head unit. The head unit connector112includes a mechanical element between plungers of the two or more head units and/or direct connection of two or more plungers to a common object. For example, plunger28of head unit10-1and plunger28of head unit10-2are directly connected to object12-1when utilizing a direct connection.

Further associated with each head unit is a set of emitters and a set of sensors. For example, head unit10-N includes a set of emitters114-N-1 through114-N-M and a set of sensors116-N-1 through116-N-M. Emitters includes any type of energy and or field emitting device to affect the STF, either directly or indirectly via other nanoparticles suspended in the STF. Examples of emitter categories include light, audio, electric field, magnetic field, wireless field, etc. Specific examples of fluid manipulation emitters include a mechanical vibration generator, an image generator, a light emitter, an audio transducer, a speaker, an ultrasonic sound transducer, an electric field generator, a magnetic field generator, and a radio frequency wireless field transmitter. Specific examples of magnetic field emitters include a Helmholtz coil, a Maxwell coil, a permanent magnet, a solenoid, a superconducting electromagnet, and a radio frequency transmitting coil.

Sensors include any type of energy and/or field sensing device to output a signal that represents a reaction, motion or position of the STF. Examples of sensor categories include mechanical position, image, light, audio, electric field, magnetic field, wireless field, etc. Specific examples of fluid flow sensors include a mechanical position sensor, an image sensor, a light sensor, an audio sensor, a microphone, an ultrasonic sound sensor, an electric field sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and a radio frequency wireless field sensor. Specific examples of magnetic field sensors include a Hall effect sensor, a magnetic coil, a rotating coil magnetometer, an inductive pickup coil, an optical magnetometry sensor, a nuclear magnetic resonance sensor, and a caesium vapor magnetometer.

The computing entities20-1through20-N are discussed in detail with reference toFIG.2A. The computing entity22includes a control module30and a chamber database34to facilitate storage of history of operation, desired operations, and other aspects of the system.

In an example of operation, the head unit10-1controls motion of the object12-1and includes the chamber16filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid42, the piston36housed at least partially radially within the chamber16, and the piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid42in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The shear thickening fluid42(e.g., dilatant non-Newtonian fluid) has nanoparticles of a specific dimension that are mixed in a carrier fluid or solvent. Force applied to the shear thickening fluid42results in these nanoparticles stacking up, thus stiffening and acting more like a solid than a flowable liquid when a shear threshold is reached. In particular, viscosity of the shear thickening fluid42rises significantly when shear rate is increased to a point of the shear threshold. The relationship between viscosity and shear rates is discussed in greater detail with reference toFIGS.1A and1B.

In another example of operation, the object12-1applies an inward motion force on the plunger28which moves the piston36in words within the chamber16. As the piston moves inward, shear rate of the shear thickening fluid42changes. A sensor116-1-1associated with the chamber16of the head unit10-1outputs chamber I/O160to the computing entity20-1, where the chamber I/O160includes a movement data associated with the STF42as a result of the piston36moving inwards. Having received the chamber I/O160, the computing entity20-1interprets the chamber I/O160to reproduce the movement data.

The computing entity20-1outputs the movement data as a system message162to the computing entity22. The control module30stores the movement data in the chamber database34and interprets the movement data to determine whether to dynamically adjust the viscosity of the shear thickening fluid. Dynamic adjustment of the viscosity results in dynamic control of the movement of the piston36, the plunger28, and ultimately the object12-1. Adjustment of the viscosity affects velocity, acceleration, and position of the piston36.

The control module30determines whether to adjust the viscosity based on one or more desired controls of the object12-1. The desired controls include accelerating, deaccelerating, abruptly stopping, continuing on a current trajectory, continuing at a constant velocity, or any other movement control. For example, the control module30determines to abruptly stop the movement of the object12-1when the object12-1is a door and the door is detected to be closing at a rate above a maximum closing rate threshold level and when the expected shear rate versus viscosity of the shear thickening fluid42requires modification (e.g., boost the viscosity now to slow the door from closing too quickly).

When determining to modify the viscosity, the control module30outputs a system message162to the computing entity20-1, where the system message162includes instructions to immediately boost the viscosity beyond the expected shear rate versus viscosity of the shear thickening fluid42. Alternatively, the system message162includes specific information on the relationship of viscosity versus shear rate.

Having received the system message162, the computing entity20-1determines a set of adjustments to make with regards to the shear thickening fluid42within the chamber16. The set of adjustments includes one or more of adjusting STF42flow through the chamber bypass40, adjusting STF42flow through the piston bypass38, and activating an emitter of a set of emitters114-1-1through114-N-1. The flow adjustments include regulating within a flow range, stopping, starting, and allowing in one particular direction. For example, the computing entity20-1determines to activate emitter114-1-1to produce a magnetic field such as to interact with magnetic nanoparticles within the STF42to raise the viscosity. The computing entity20-1issues another chamber I/O160to the emitter114-1-1to initiate a magnetic influence process to boost the viscosity of the STF42.

In an alternative embodiment, the computing entity22issues another system message162to two or more computing entities (e.g.,20-1and20-2) to boost the viscosity for corresponding head units10-1and10-2when the head unit connector112connects head units10-1and10-2and both head units are controlling the motion of the object12-1. For instance, one of the head units informs the computing entity22that the object12-1is moving too quickly inward and the predicted stopping power of the expected viscosity versus shear rate of the STF42of the head unit, even when boosted, will not be enough to slow the object12-1to a desired velocity or position. When informed that one head unit, even with a modified viscosity, is not enough to control the object12-1, the control module30determines how many other head units (e.g., connected via the head unit connector112) to apply and to dynamically modify the viscosity.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the computing entity22issues a series of system messages162to a set of computing entities associated with a corresponding set of head units to produce a cascading effect of altering of the viscosity of the STF42of each of the chambers16associated with the set of head units. For example, 3 head units are controlled by 3 corresponding computing entities to adjust viscosity in a time cascaded manner. For instance, head unit10-1abruptly changes the viscosity to attempt to slow the object12-1followed seconds later by head unit10-2abruptly changing the viscosity to attempt to further slow the object12-1, followed seconds later by head unit12-3abruptly changing the viscosity to attempt to further slow the object12-1.

In a still further alternative embodiment, the computing entity22conditionally issues each message of the series of system messages162to the set of computing entities associated with the corresponding set of head units to produce the cascading effect of altering of the viscosity of the STF42of each of the chambers16associated with the set of head units only when a most recent adaptation of viscosity is not enough to slow the object12-1with desired results. For example, the 3 head units are controlled by the 3 corresponding computing entities to adjust viscosity in a conditional time cascaded manner. For instance, head unit10-1abruptly changes the viscosity to attempt to slow the object12-1followed seconds later by head unit10-2abruptly changing the viscosity if head unit10-1was unsuccessful to attempt to further slow the object12-1, followed seconds later by head unit12-3abruptly changing the viscosity if head unit10-2was unsuccessful to attempt to further slow the object12-1.

FIG.1Bis a graph of viscosity vs. shear rate for an aspect of an embodiment of a mechanical and computing system that includes a chamber, a shear thickening fluid, and a piston that moves through the chamber applying forces on the shear thickening fluid. The shear thickening fluid includes a non-Newtonian fluid since the relationship between shear rate and viscosity is nonlinear.

A relationship between compressive impulse (e.g., shear rate) and the viscosity of the shear thickening fluid is nonlinear and may comprise one or more inflection points as the piston travels within the chamber in response to different magnitudes of forces and different accelerations. The viscosity of the STF may also be a function of other influences, such as electric fields, acoustical waves, magnetic fields, and other similar influences. As a first example of a response of a shear thickening fluid, a first range of shear rates in zone A has a decreasing viscosity as the shear rate increases and then in a second range of shear rates in zone B the viscosity increases abruptly. As a second example of a response of a diluted shear thickening fluid, the first range of shear rates in zone A extends to a higher level of shear rates with the decreasing viscosity and then in the still higher second range of shear rates in zone B the viscosity increases abruptly similar to that of the shear thickening include.

The shear thickening fluid includes particles within a solvent. Examples of particles of the shear thickening fluid include oxides, calcium carbonate, synthetically occurring minerals, naturally occurring minerals, polymers, or a mixture thereof. Further examples of the particles of the shear thickening fluid include SiO2, polystyrene, or polymethylmethacrylate.

The particles are suspended in a solvent. Example components of the solvent include water, a salt, a surfactant, and a polymer. Further example components of the solvent include ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ethanol, silicon oils, phenyltrimethicone or a mixture thereof. Example particle diameters range from less than 100 μm to less than 1 millimeter. In an instance, the shear thickening fluid is made of silica particles suspended in polyethylene glycol at a volume fraction of approximately 0.57 with the silica particles having an average particle diameter of approximately 446 nm. As a result, the shear thickening fluid exhibits a shear thickening transition at a shear rate of approximately 102-103 s−1.

A volume fraction of particles dispersed within the solvent distinguishes the viscosity versus shear rate of different shear thickening fluids. The viscosity of the STF changes in response to the applied shear stress. At rest and under weak applied shear stress, a STF may have a fairly constant or even slightly decreasing viscosity because the random distribution of particles causes the particles to frequently collide. However, as a greater shear stress is applied so that the shear rate increases, the particles flow in a more streamlined manner. However, as an even greater shear stress is applied so that the shear rate increases further, a hydrodynamic coupling between the particles may overcome the interparticle forces responsible for Brownian motion. The particles may be driven closer together, and the microstructure of the colloidal dispersion may change, so that particles cluster together in hydroclusters.

The viscosity curve of the STF can be fine-tuned through changes in the characteristics of the particles suspended in the solvent. For example, the particles shape, surface chemistry, ionic strength, and size affect the various interparticle forces involved, as does the properties of the solvent. However, in general, hydrodynamic forces dominate at a high shear stress, which also makes the addition of a polymer attached to the particle surface effective in limiting clumping in hydroclusters. Various factors influence this clumping behavior, including, fluid slip, adsorbed ions, surfactants, polymers, surface roughness, graft density (e.g., of a grafted polymer), molecular weight, and solvent, so that the onset of shear thickening can be modified. In general, the onset of shear thickening can be slowed by the introduction of techniques to prevent the clumping of particles. For example, influencing the STF with emissions from an emitter in proximal location to the chamber.

FIG.1Cis a graph of piston velocity vs. force applied to the piston for an aspect of an embodiment of a mechanical and computing system that includes a chamber, a shear thickening fluid, and a piston that moves through the chamber applying forces on the shear thickening fluid. The shear thickening fluid includes a non-Newtonian fluid since the relationship between shear rate and viscosity is nonlinear.

An example curve for a shear thickening fluid indicates that as more force is applied to the piston in zone A, a higher piston velocity is realized until the corresponding transition to zone B occurs where the shear threshold affect takes hold and the viscosity abruptly increases significantly. When the viscosity increases abruptly, the piston velocity slows back down and may even stop.

Another example curve for a diluted shear thickening fluid indicates that as more force is applied to the piston in zone A, an even higher piston velocity is realized until the corresponding transition to zone B occurs where the shear threshold affect takes hold and the viscosity abruptly increases significantly. When the viscosity increases abruptly, the piston velocity slows back down and may even stop.

FIG.2Ais a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the computing entity (e.g.,20-1through20-N; and22) of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1. The computing entity includes one or more computing devices100-1through100-N. A computing device is any electronic device that communicates data, processes data, represents data (e.g., user interface) and/or stores data.

Computing devices include portable computing devices and fixed computing devices. Examples of portable computing devices include an embedded controller, a smart sensor, a social networking device, a gaming device, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a video game controller, and/or any other portable device that includes a computing core. Examples of fixed computing devices includes a personal computer, a computer server, a cable set-top box, a fixed display device, an appliance, and industrial controller, a video game counsel, a home entertainment controller, a critical infrastructure controller, and/or any type of home, office or cloud computing equipment that includes a computing core.

FIG.2Bis a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computing device (e.g.,100-1through100-N) of the computing entity ofFIG.2Athat includes one or more computing cores52-1through52-N, a memory module102, a human interface module18, an environment sensor module14, and an input/output (I/O) module104. In alternative embodiments, the human interface module18, the environment sensor module14, the I/O module104, and the memory module102may be standalone (e.g., external to the computing device). An embodiment of the computing device is discussed in greater detail with reference toFIG.3.

FIG.3is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the computing device100-1of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1that includes the human interface module18, the environment sensor module14, the computing core52-1, the memory module102, and the I/O module104. The human interface module18includes one or more visual output devices74(e.g., video graphics display, 3-D viewer, touchscreen, LED, etc.), one or more visual input devices80(e.g., a still image camera, a video camera, a 3-D video camera, photocell, etc.), and one or more audio output devices78(e.g., speaker(s), headphone jack, a motor, etc.). The human interface module18further includes one or more user input devices76(e.g., keypad, keyboard, touchscreen, voice to text, a push button, a microphone, a card reader, a door position switch, a biometric input device, etc.) and one or more motion output devices106(e.g., servos, motors, lifts, pumps, actuators, anything to get real-world objects to move).

The computing core52-1includes a video graphics module54, one or more processing modules50-1through50-N, a memory controller56, one or more main memories58-1through58-N (e.g., RAM), one or more input/output (I/O) device interface modules62, an input/output (I/O) controller60, and a peripheral interface64. A processing module is as defined at the end of the detailed description.

The memory module102includes a memory interface module70and one or more memory devices, including flash memory devices92, hard drive (HD) memory94, solid state (SS) memory96, and cloud memory98. The cloud memory98includes an on-line storage system and an on-line backup system.

The I/O module104includes a network interface module72, a peripheral device interface module68, and a universal serial bus (USB) interface module66. Each of the I/O device interface module62, the peripheral interface64, the memory interface module70, the network interface module72, the peripheral device interface module68, and the USB interface modules66includes a combination of hardware (e.g., connectors, wiring, etc.) and operational instructions stored on memory (e.g., driver software) that are executed by one or more of the processing modules50-1through50-N and/or a processing circuit within the particular module.

The I/O module104further includes one or more wireless location modems84(e.g., global positioning satellite (GPS), Wi-Fi, angle of arrival, time difference of arrival, signal strength, dedicated wireless location, etc.) and one or more wireless communication modems86(e.g., a cellular network transceiver, a wireless data network transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a 315 MHz transceiver, a zig bee transceiver, a 60 GHz transceiver, etc.). The I/O module104further includes a telco interface108(e.g., to interface to a public switched telephone network), a wired local area network (LAN)88(e.g., optical, electrical), and a wired wide area network (WAN)90(e.g., optical, electrical). The I/O module104further includes one or more peripheral devices (e.g., peripheral devices1-P) and one or more universal serial bus (USB) devices (USB devices1-U). In other embodiments, the computing device100-1may include more or less devices and modules than shown in this example embodiment.

FIG.4is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the environment sensor module14of the computing device ofFIG.2Bthat includes a sensor interface module120to output environment sensor information150based on information communicated with a set of sensors. The set of sensors includes a visual sensor122(e.g., to the camera, 3-D camera, 360° view camera, a camera array, an optical spectrometer, etc.) and an audio sensor124(e.g., a microphone, a microphone array). The set of sensors further includes a motion sensor126(e.g., a solid-state Gyro, a vibration detector, a laser motion detector) and a position sensor128(e.g., a Hall effect sensor, an image detector, a GPS receiver, a radar system).

The set of sensors further includes a scanning sensor130(e.g., CAT scan, Mill, x-ray, ultrasound, radio scatter, particle detector, laser measure, further radar) and a temperature sensor132(e.g., thermometer, thermal coupler). The set of sensors further includes a humidity sensor134(resistance based, capacitance based) and an altitude sensor136(e.g., pressure based, GPS-based, laser-based).

The set of sensors further includes a biosensor138(e.g., enzyme, microbial) and a chemical sensor140(e.g., mass spectrometer, gas, polymer). The set of sensors further includes a magnetic sensor142(e.g., Hall effect, piezo electric, coil, magnetic tunnel junction) and any generic sensor144(e.g., including a hybrid combination of two or more of the other sensors).

FIGS.5A-5Dare schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of a mechanical and computing system illustrating an example of determining operational aspects. The mechanical and computing system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1, the object12-1ofFIG.1, and the computing entity20-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes a chamber16filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF)42, where the STF includes a multitude of magnetic nanoparticles170. The head unit10-1further includes a piston36housed at least partially radially within the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid42in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates. The head unit10-1further includes a set of magnetic field sensors116-1-1and116-1-2positioned proximal to the chamber16. For instance, the magnetic field sensors are implemented utilizing Hall effect sensors.

FIG.5Aillustrates an example of operation of a method for the determining the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting magnetic response180-1-2from the set of magnetic field sensors (e.g., in response to varying fields from the magnetic nanoparticles170) to produce a piston velocity and position. The set of magnetic field sensors are positioned proximal to the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1, where the head unit includes the chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF). The STF includes a multitude of magnetic nanoparticles. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber and the piston configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston includes one of traveling through the chamber in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

As an example of interpreting the magnetic response180-1-2, the computing entity20-1compares the magnetic response180-1-2to previous measurements of magnetic fields versus piston velocity and position to produce the piston velocity182and piston position184. As another example of the interpreting the magnetic response180-1-2, the computing entity20-1extracts the piston velocity182and the piston position184directly from the magnetic response180-1-2when the sensor116-1-2generates the velocity and piston position directly.

FIG.5Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the determining the operational aspects. A second step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting magnetic response180-1-1from the set of magnetic field sensors to produce updated piston velocity and position as previously discussed. For example, the computing entity20-1interprets the magnetic response180-1-1to determine the updated piston velocity182and piston position184. For instance, the computing entity20-1determines that the position of the piston is further inward within the chamber16and moving inward with a higher velocity as compared to the previous interpretation step.

FIG.5Cfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the determining the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a shear force186based on the updated piston velocity182and piston position184. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the updated velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42. As another example, the computing entity20-1receives the shear force186from at least one of the set of sensors when at least one sensor provides the shear force186directly.

FIG.5Dfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the determining the operational aspects. A fourth step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining whether a shear threshold has been obtained based on the shear force186. The shear threshold is associated with the increasing viscosity in response to the second range of shear rates. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the shear force186to data associated with the viscosity versus shear rate curve and indicates via a shear threshold indicator188that the shear threshold has been obtained when the shear force186compares favorably to the data associated with the viscosity versus shear rate curve for the shear threshold effect. As another example, the computing entity20-1interprets the piston velocity182over time to produce acceleration and indicates the shear threshold via the shear threshold indicator188when detecting a sudden deceleration.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module of any computing entity of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1can alternatively be performed by other modules of the system ofFIG.1or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory section that is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or more processing modules of the one or more computing entities of the computing system10, cause one or more computing devices of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1to perform any or all of the method steps described above.

FIGS.6A-6Care schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of a mechanical and computing system illustrating an example of controlling operational aspects. The mechanical and computing system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1, the object12-1ofFIG.1, and the computing entity20-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes the chamber16filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid (STF)42, where the STF includes a multitude of magnetic nanoparticles170. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36via the plunger28from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The head unit10-1further includes a set of magnetic field sensors positioned proximal to the chamber16and a set of magnetic field emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. The set of magnetic field sensors provide a magnetic response from the multitude of magnetic nanoparticles. The set of magnetic field emitters provide a magnetic activation to the multitude of magnetic nanoparticles which in turn affects the STF. For example, sensors116-1-1and116-1-2and emitters114-1-1and114-1-2, where the sensors and emitters sense and emit magnetic waves respectively to interact with the magnetic nanoparticles170.

FIG.6Aillustrates an example of operation of a method for the controlling the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting magnetic response180-1-1and180-1-2from the set of magnetic field sensors (e.g., in response to varying fields from the magnetic nanoparticles170) to produce a piston velocity and piston position. The set of magnetic field sensors are positioned proximal to the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1, where the head unit includes the chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF).

The STF includes a multitude of magnetic nanoparticles. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber and the piston configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston includes one of traveling through the chamber in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The interpreting the magnetic response from the set of magnetic field sensors to produce the piston velocity and the piston position of the piston includes a series of sub-steps. A first sub-step includes inputting, from one or more magnetic field sensors of the set of magnetic field sensors, a set of magnetic field signals over a time range. For example, the computing entity20-1inputs a magnetic field signal from sensor116-1-1during a first timeframe of the time range and another magnetic field signal from sensor116-1-2during a second timeframe of the time range.

A second sub-step includes determining the magnetic response of the set of magnetic field sensors based on the set of magnetic field signals. For example, the computing entity20-1interprets the magnetic field signals based on a type of magnetic sensor to produce magnetic responses180-1-1and180-1-2.

A third sub-step includes determining the piston velocity based on the magnetic response of the set of magnetic field sensors over the time range. For example, the computing entity20-1calculates velocity based on changes in the magnetic responses over the time range.

A fourth sub-step includes determining the piston position based on the piston velocity and a real-time reference. For example, the computing entity20-1calculates the piston position based on time and the piston velocity as the piston moves through the chamber.

As another example of interpreting the magnetic response180-1-2, the computing entity20-1compares the magnetic response180-1-2to previous measurements of magnetic fields versus piston velocity and piston position to produce the piston velocity182and piston position184. As a still further example of the interpreting the magnetic response180-1-2, the computing entity20-1extracts the piston velocity182and the piston position184directly from the magnetic response180-1-2when the sensor116-1-2generates the piston velocity and piston position directly.

A second step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a shear force186based on the piston velocity182and piston position184. The determining the shear force based on the piston velocity and the piston position includes one approach of a variety of approaches. A first approach includes extracting the shear force directly from the magnetic response when one or more magnetic field sensors of the set of magnetic field sensors outputs a shear force encoded signal. For example, the computing entity20-1extracts the shear force186directly from the magnetic responses180-1-1and180-1-2. In an instance, the shear force186reveals the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston curve as illustrated inFIG.6A, where at a current time of interpreting the magnetic response, the force and piston velocity are at a point X1.

A second approach includes determining the shear force utilizing the piston velocity and stored data for piston velocity verses shear force for the STF. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42.

A third approach includes determining the shear force utilizing the piston position and stored data for piston position verses shear force for the STF within the chamber. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42.

FIG.6Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a desired response188for the STF based on one or more of the shear force186and the piston velocity182and the piston position184. The desired response188includes continuing to follow a nominal response curve associated with the STF without modifying the functioning of the STF. The desired response188further includes modifying the function of the STF to further slow down the object12-1or to allow the object12-1to speed up at a velocity associated with the nominal response.

The determining the desired response for the STF based on one or more of the shear force, the piston velocity, and piston position includes one or more approaches. A first approach includes interpreting a request associated with modifying one or more of object velocity and object position. For example, the computing entity20-1interprets a request from another computing entity to update the desired response for the STF to increase viscosity to slow down the object12-1.

A second approach includes interpreting guidance from a chamber database. For example, the computing entity20-1interprets data from the chamber database34ofFIG.1Ato identify an updated response for the STF. For instance, the response for the STF is updated to decrease viscosity when historical information in the chamber database34indicates that a decrease in viscosity is desired based on a current piston position and current shear force.

A third approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the second range of shear rates to slow down the object when detecting that the piston position is greater than a maximum piston position threshold level. A fourth approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the first range of shear rates to speed up the object when detecting that the piston position is less than a minimum piston position threshold level.

A fifth approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the second range of shear rates to slow down the object when detecting that the piston velocity is greater than a maximum piston velocity threshold level. A sixth approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the first range of shear rates to speed up the object when detecting that the piston velocity is less than a minimum piston velocity threshold level.

A seventh approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the second range of shear rates to slow down the object when detecting that the shear force is less than a minimum shear force threshold level. An eighth approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the first range of shear rates to speed up the object when detecting that the shear force is greater than a maximum shear force threshold level.

A ninth approach includes detecting an environmental condition warranting a change in viscosity of the STF. For example, the computing entity20-1determines to change the viscosity of the STF when a triggering of a vehicular airbag sensor is detected. As another example, the computing entity20-1determines to change the viscosity of the STF when detecting an earthquake. As yet another example, the computing entity20-1determines to change the viscosity of the STF when detecting a proximity warning (e.g., of a certain collision).

Having determined the desired response188for the STF, a fourth step of the example method of operation includes the computing entity20-1generating a magnetic activation based on the desired response for the STF, where the magnetic activation is output to the set of magnetic field emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. The generating the magnetic activation based on the desired response for the STF includes one or more approaches. A first approach includes determining magnetic output values for the magnetic activation based on a difference between actual viscosity of the STF and a desired viscosity of the STF. For example, the computing entity20-1determines the magnetic activation to affect the STF such that the viscosity is raised to lead to an abrupt slow down of the piston through the STF.

A second approach includes determining the magnetic activation based on the desired response for the STF and utilizing a magnetic activation table for magnetic output values versus the desired viscosity of the STF. For example, the computing entity20-1performs a lookup in a magnetic activation table for magnetic output values versus desired viscosity increases.

A third approach includes receiving the magnetic activation from another computing device. Having determined the magnetic activation, in a fourth approach, the computing entity20-1outputs the magnetic activation to the set of magnetic field emitters. For instance, the computing entity20-1outputs the magnetic activation181-1-1and181-1-2to the emitters114-1-1and114-1-2respectively to affect the viscosity of the STF42.

FIG.6Cfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects where, having generated the magnetic activation, the computing entity20-1determines an error level190from the desired response for the STF42. For example, the computing entity20-1re-measures the magnetic response to determine one or more of piston velocity182, piston position184, and shear force186. Having determined velocity and position, the computing entity20-1determines actual response at a time X2and compares the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston to the desired response curve. The computing entity20-1determines the error level190based on the comparison.

Having determined the error level, a sixth step of the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects includes the computing entity20-1generating an updated magnetic activation based on the error level and the desired response. The error level is at least one of substantially zero (e.g., the actual response is on top of the desired response), a positive error level (e.g., when the actual response includes a piston velocity that is too high for the force applied to the piston), and a negative error level (e.g., when the actual response includes a piston velocity that is too low for the force applied to the piston). In an example of generating the updated magnetic activation, the computing entity20-1determines that the error level190is a positive error level, determines the updated magnetic activation to further increase the viscosity of the STF42, and outputs magnetic activation181-1-1and181-1-2to the emitters114-1-1and114-1-2respectively to facilitate slowing down the piston velocity back to the desired response curve.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module of any computing entity of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1can alternatively be performed by other modules of the system ofFIG.1or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory section that is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or more processing modules of the one or more computing entities of the computing system10, cause one or more computing devices of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1to perform any or all of the method steps described above.

FIGS.7A-7Dare schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of a mechanical and computing system illustrating another example of determining operational aspects. The mechanical and computing system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1, the object12-1ofFIG.1, and the computing entity20-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes a chamber16filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF)42, where the STF includes a multitude of reflective nanoparticles200. The head unit10-1further includes a piston36housed at least partially radially within the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid42in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates. The head unit10-1further includes a set of optical sensors116-1-1and116-1-2positioned proximal to the chamber16. For instance, the optical sensors are implemented utilizing image sensors (e.g., cameras).

FIG.7Aillustrates an example of operation of a method for the determining the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting an optical response from the set of optical sensors (e.g., in response to varying light patterns from the reflective nanoparticles200) to produce a piston velocity and position. The set of optical sensors are positioned proximal to the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1, where the head unit includes the chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF). The STF includes the multitude of reflective nanoparticles. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber and the piston configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston includes one of traveling through the chamber in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

As an example of interpreting the optical response, the computing entity20-1compares the optical response202-1-2to previous measurements of light fields versus piston velocity and position to produce the piston velocity182and piston position184. As another example of the interpreting the optical response202-1-2, the computing entity20-1extracts the piston velocity182and the piston position184directly from the optical response202-1-2when the sensor116-1-2generates the velocity and piston position directly.

FIG.7Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the determining the operational aspects. A second step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting optical response202-1-1from the set of optical sensors to produce updated piston velocity and position as previously discussed. For example, the computing entity20-1interprets the optical response202-1-1to determine the updated piston velocity182and piston position184. For instance, the computing entity20-1determines that the position of the piston is further inward within the chamber16and moving inward with a higher velocity as compared to the previous interpretation step.

FIG.7Cfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the determining the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a shear force186based on the updated piston velocity182and piston position184. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the updated velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42. As another example, the computing entity20-1receives the shear force186from at least one of the set of sensors when at least one sensor provides the shear force186directly.

FIG.7Dfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the determining the operational aspects. A fourth step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining whether a shear threshold has been obtained based on the shear force186. The shear threshold is associated with the increasing viscosity in response to the second range of shear rates. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the shear force186to data associated with the viscosity versus shear rate curve and indicates via a shear threshold indicator188that the shear threshold has been obtained when the shear force186compares favorably to the data associated with the viscosity versus shear rate curve for the shear threshold effect. As another example, the computing entity20-1interprets the piston velocity182over time to produce acceleration and indicates the shear threshold via the shear threshold indicator188when detecting a sudden deceleration.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module of any computing entity of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1can alternatively be performed by other modules of the system ofFIG.1or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory section that is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or more processing modules of the one or more computing entities of the computing system10, cause one or more computing devices of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1to perform any or all of the method steps described above.

FIGS.8A-8Care schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of a mechanical and computing system illustrating another example of controlling operational aspects. The mechanical and computing system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1, the object12-1ofFIG.1, and the computing entity20-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes the chamber16filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid (STF)42, where the STF includes a multitude of piezoelectric nanoparticles210. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36via the plunger28from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The head unit10-1further includes a set of electric field sensors positioned proximal to the chamber16and a set of electric field emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. For example, sensors116-1-1and116-1-2and emitters114-1-1and114-1-2, where the sensors and emitters sense and emit electric waves respectively to interact with the piezoelectric nanoparticles210.

FIG.8Aillustrates an example of operation of a method for the controlling the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting electric response212-1-1and212-1-2from the set of piezoelectric nanoparticles210(e.g., in response to varying fields from the piezoelectric nanoparticles210) to produce a piston velocity and position. The set of electric field sensors are positioned proximal to the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1, where the head unit includes the chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF). The STF includes the multitude of piezoelectric nanoparticles210. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber and the piston configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston includes one of traveling through the chamber in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

As an example of interpreting the electric response212-1-1and212-1-2, the computing entity20-1compares the electric response212-1-1and212-1-2to previous measurements of electric fields versus piston velocity and position to produce the piston velocity182and piston position184. As another example of the interpreting the electric response212-1-1and212-1-2, the computing entity20-1extracts the piston velocity182and the piston position184directly from the electric response212-1-1and212-1-2when the sensors116-1-1and116-1-2generate the velocity and piston position directly.

A second step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a shear force186based on the piston velocity182and piston position184. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42. As another example, the computing entity20-1receives the shear force186from at least one of the set of sensors when at least one sensor provides the shear force186directly. In an instance, the shear force186reveals the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston curve as illustrated inFIG.8A, where at a current time of interpreting the electric response, the force and piston velocity are at a point X1.

FIG.8Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a desired response188for the STF based on one or more of the shear force186and the piston velocity182and the piston position184. The desired response188includes continuing to follow a nominal response curve associated with the STF without modifying the functioning of the STF. The desired response188further includes modifying the function of the STF to further slow down the object12-1or to allow the object12-1to speed up at a velocity associated with the nominal response.

The determining the desired response188includes one or more of interpreting a request, interpreting guidance from the chamber database34, detecting that the piston velocity is greater than a maximum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too fast), detecting that the piston velocity is less than a minimum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too slow), and detecting an environmental condition warranting changing the viscosity (e.g., a triggering of a vehicular airbag sensor, detection of an earthquake, a proximity warning, etc.). For instance, the computing entity20-1determines that the desired response188to slow down the object12-1is warranted based on reaching a maximum piston velocity threshold level for object12-1.

Having determined the desired response188for the STF, a fourth step of the example method of operation includes the computing entity20-1generating an electric activation based on the desired response for the STF, where the electric activation is output to a set of electric field emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. The generating of the electric activation includes one or more of performing a lookup in an electric activation table for electric field output values versus desired viscosity increases, dynamically calculating the electric field output values based on a gap in viscosity levels, and receiving the electric activation from another computing entity. For example, the computing entity20-1determines the electric activation to affect the STF such that the viscosity is raised to lead to an abrupt slow down of the piston through the STF. Having determined the electric activation, the computing entity20-1outputs electric activation214-1-1and214-1-2to the emitters114-1-1and114-1-2respectively to affect the viscosity of the STF42.

FIG.8Cfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects where, having generated the electric activation, the computing entity20-1determines an error level190from the desired response for the STF42. For example, the computing entity20-1re-measures the electric response to determine one or more of piston velocity182, piston position184, and shear force186. Having determined velocity and position, the computing entity20-1determines actual response at a time X2and compares the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston to the desired response curve. The computing entity20-1determines the error level190based on the comparison.

Having determined the error level, a sixth step of the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects includes the computing entity20-1generating an updated electric activation based on the error level and the desired response. The error level is at least one of substantially zero (e.g., the actual response is on top of the desired response), a positive error level (e.g., when the actual response includes a piston velocity that is too high for the force applied to the piston), and a negative error level (e.g., when the actual response includes a piston velocity that is too low for the force applied to the piston). In an example of generating the updated electric activation, the computing entity20-1determines that the error level190is a positive error level, determines the updated electric activation to further increase the viscosity of the STF42, and outputs electric activation214-1-1and214-1-2to the emitters114-1-1and114-1-2respectively to facilitate slowing down the piston velocity back to the desired response curve.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module of any computing entity of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1can alternatively be performed by other modules of the system ofFIG.1or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory section that is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or more processing modules of the one or more computing entities of the computing system10, cause one or more computing devices of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1to perform any or all of the method steps described above.

FIGS.9A-9Care schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of a mechanical and computing system illustrating another example of controlling operational aspects. The mechanical and computing system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1, the object12-1ofFIG.1, and the computing entity20-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes the chamber16filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid (STF)42. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36via the plunger28from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The head unit10-1further includes a set of audio sensors positioned proximal to the chamber16and a set of audio emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. For example, sensors116-1-1and116-1-2and emitters114-1-1and114-1-2, where the sensors and emitters sense and emit acoustic waves respectively to interact with the STF42. For instance, sensor116-1-1is implemented utilizing a microphone and emitter114-1-1is implemented utilizing an ultrasonic transducer.

FIG.9Aillustrates an example of operation of a method for the controlling the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting audio responses222-1-1and222-1-2from the STF42(e.g., in response to varying acoustic responsiveness of the particles of the STF) to produce a piston velocity and position. The set of audio sensors are positioned proximal to the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1, where the head unit includes the chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF). In another embodiment, the STF is mixed with acoustic nanoparticles to enhance the transmission of acoustic waves through the STF. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber and the piston configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston includes one of traveling through the chamber in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

As an example of interpreting the audio response222-1-1and222-1-2, the computing entity20-1compares the audio response222-1-1and222-1-2to previous measurements of audio waves versus piston velocity and position to produce the piston velocity182and piston position184. As another example of the interpreting the audio response222-1-1and222-1-2, the computing entity20-1extracts the piston velocity182and the piston position184directly from the audio response222-1-1and222-1-2when the sensors116-1-1and116-1-2generate the velocity and piston position directly.

A second step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a shear force186based on the piston velocity182and piston position184. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42. As another example, the computing entity20-1receives the shear force186from at least one of the set of sensors when at least one sensor provides the shear force186directly. In an instance, the shear force186reveals the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston curve as illustrated inFIG.9A, where at a current time of interpreting the audio response, the force and piston velocity are at a point X1.

FIG.9Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a desired response188for the STF based on one or more of the shear force186and the piston velocity182and the piston position184. The desired response188includes continuing to follow a nominal response curve associated with the STF without modifying the functioning of the STF. The desired response188further includes modifying the function of the STF to further slow down the object12-1or to allow the object12-1to speed up at a velocity associated with the nominal response.

The determining the desired response188includes one or more of interpreting a request, interpreting guidance from the chamber database34, detecting that the piston velocity is greater than a maximum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too fast), detecting that the piston velocity is less than a minimum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too slow), and detecting an environmental condition warranting changing the viscosity (e.g., a triggering of a vehicular airbag sensor, detection of an earthquake, a proximity warning, etc.). For instance, the computing entity20-1determines that the desired response188to slow down the object12-1is warranted based on reaching a maximum piston velocity threshold level for object12-1.

Having determined the desired response188for the STF, a fourth step of the example method of operation includes the computing entity20-1generating an audio activation based on the desired response for the STF, where the audio activation is output to the set of audio emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. The generating of the audio activation includes one or more of performing a lookup in an audio activation table for audio wave output values versus desired viscosity increases, dynamically calculating the audio wave output values based on a gap in viscosity levels, and receiving the audio activation from another computing entity. For example, the computing entity20-1determines the audio activation to affect the STF such that the viscosity is raised to lead to an abrupt slow down of the piston through the STF. Having determined the audio activation, the computing entity20-1outputs audio activation224-1-1and224-1-2to the emitters114-1-1and114-1-2respectively to affect the viscosity of the STF42.

FIG.9Cfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects where, having generated the audio activation, the computing entity20-1determines an error level190from the desired response for the STF42. For example, the computing entity20-1re-measures the audio response to determine one or more of piston velocity182, piston position184, and shear force186. Having determined velocity and position, the computing entity20-1determines actual response at a time X2and compares the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston to the desired response curve. The computing entity20-1determines the error level190based on the comparison.

Having determined the error level, a sixth step of the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects includes the computing entity20-1generating an updated audio activation based on the error level and the desired response. The error level is at least one of substantially zero (e.g., the actual response is on top of the desired response), a positive error level (e.g., when the actual response includes a piston velocity that is too high for the force applied to the piston), and a negative error level (e.g., when the actual response includes a piston velocity that is too low for the force applied to the piston). In an example of generating the updated audio activation, the computing entity20-1determines that the error level190is a positive error level, determines the updated audio activation to further increase the viscosity of the STF42, and outputs audio activation224-1-1and224-1-2to the emitters114-1-1and114-1-2respectively to facilitate slowing down the piston velocity back to the desired response curve.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module of any computing entity of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1can alternatively be performed by other modules of the system ofFIG.1or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory section that is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or more processing modules of the one or more computing entities of the computing system10, cause one or more computing devices of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1to perform any or all of the method steps described above.

FIGS.10A-10Care schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of a mechanical and computing system illustrating another example of controlling operational aspects. The mechanical and computing system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1, the object12-1ofFIG.1, and the computing entity20-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes the chamber16filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid (STF)42. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36via the plunger28from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The head unit10-1further includes a set of fluid flow sensors (e.g., any type) positioned proximal to the chamber16and a set of fluid manipulation emitters (e.g., any type) positioned proximal to the chamber16. For example, sensors116-1-1and116-1-2and emitters114-1-1and114-1-2, where the sensors and emitters sense and emit energy respectively to interact with the STF42.

FIG.10Aillustrates an example of operation of a method for the controlling the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting fluid responses232-1-1and232-1-2from the STF42(e.g., in response to varying responsiveness of the particles of the STF) to produce a piston velocity and position. The set of fluid flow sensors are positioned proximal to the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1, where the head unit includes the chamber filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid (STF)42. In another embodiment, the STF is mixed with nanoparticles to enhance the transmission of energy through the STF. The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber and the piston configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston includes one of traveling through the chamber in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

As an example of interpreting the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2, the computing entity20-1compares the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2to previous measurements of fluid responses versus piston velocity and position to produce the piston velocity182and piston position184. As another example of the interpreting the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2, the computing entity20-1extracts the piston velocity182and the piston position184directly from the fluid response232-1-1and/or232-1-2when the sensors116-1-1and116-1-2generate the velocity and piston position directly.

A second step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a shear force186based on the piston velocity182and piston position184. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42. As another example, the computing entity20-1receives the shear force186from at least one of the set of sensors when at least one sensor provides the shear force186directly. In an instance, the shear force186reveals the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston curve as illustrated inFIG.10A, where at a current time of interpreting the audio response, the force and piston velocity are at a point Y1. That curve further illustrates nominal responses for both positive and negative velocities corresponding to inward and outward movement of the piston.

FIG.10Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a desired response188for the STF based on one or more of the shear force186and the piston velocity182and the piston position184. The desired response188includes continuing to follow a nominal response curve associated with the STF without modifying the functioning of the STF. The desired response188further includes modifying the function of the STF to further slow down the object12-1or to allow the object12-1to speed up at a velocity associated with the nominal response.

The determining the desired response188includes one or more of interpreting a request, interpreting guidance from the chamber database34, detecting that the piston velocity is greater than a maximum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too fast), detecting that the piston velocity is less than a minimum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too slow), and detecting an environmental condition warranting changing the viscosity (e.g., a triggering of a vehicular airbag sensor, detection of an earthquake, a proximity warning, etc.). For instance, the computing entity20-1determines that the desired response188to slow down the object12-1is warranted based on reaching a maximum piston velocity threshold level for object12-1.

Having determined the desired response188for the STF, a fourth step of the example method of operation includes the computing entity20-1generating a fluid activation based on the desired response for the STF, where the fluid activation is output to the set of fluid manipulation emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. The generating of the fluid activation includes one or more of performing a lookup in a fluid activation table for fluid activation output values versus desired viscosity increases, dynamically calculating the fluid activation output values based on a gap in viscosity levels, and receiving the fluid activation from another computing entity. For example, the computing entity20-1determines the fluid activation to affect the STF such that the viscosity is raised to lead to an abrupt slow down of the piston through the STF as the actual response moves from a position at a time associated with Y1to another position at another time associated with Y2. Having determined the fluid activation, the computing entity20-1outputs fluid activation234-1-1and234-1-2to the emitters114-1-1and114-1-2respectively to affect the viscosity of the STF42.

FIG.10Cfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects where, having generated the fluid activation, the computing entity20-1detects an oscillation associated with the object12-1and piston36. For example, the computing entity20-1re-measures the fluid response to determine one or more of piston velocity182, piston position184, and shear force186. Having determined velocity and position, the computing entity20-1determines actual response at a time Y2going to Y3and compares the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston to the desired response curve. The computing entity20-1indicates the acylation when the velocity changes between positive and negative for several cycles.

Having detected the oscillation, a sixth step of the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects includes the computing entity20-1generating an updated fluid activation based on the detected oscillation. The oscillation has an associated frequency and magnitude pattern. In an example of generating the updated fluid activation, the computing entity20-1determines that and updated desired response should include a dampened oscillation to lead the piston and object12-12lower magnitudes of the oscillation. The computing entity20-1outputs the fluid activation234-1-1and234-1-2to the emitters114-1-1and114-1-2respectively to facilitate slowing down the oscillation to that of the updated desired response.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module of any computing entity of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1can alternatively be performed by other modules of the system ofFIG.1or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory section that is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or more processing modules of the one or more computing entities of the computing system10, cause one or more computing devices of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1to perform any or all of the method steps described above.

FIGS.11A-11Bare schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of a mechanical and computing system illustrating another example of controlling operational aspects. The mechanical and computing system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1, the object12-1ofFIG.1, and the computing entity20-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes the chamber16filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid (STF)42. The chamber16includes a piston compartment and an auxiliary compartment. The piston compartment includes the front channel26and the back channel24. The auxiliary compartment includes an auxiliary back channel240. An auxiliary bypass244couples the piston compartment and the auxiliary compartment controlling flow of the shear thickening fluid between the back channel24and the auxiliary back channel240.

The piston is housed at least partially radially within the piston compartment of the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36via the plunger28from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the piston compartment of the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the piston compartment of the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The head unit10-1further includes a set of fluid flow sensors positioned proximal to the chamber16and a set of fluid manipulation emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. For example, sensors116-1-1and116-1-2and emitters114-1-1and114-1-2, where the sensors and emitters sense and emit energy respectively to interact with the STF42.

FIG.11Aillustrates an example of operation of a method for the controlling the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting fluid responses232-1-1and232-1-2from the STF42(e.g., in response to varying responsiveness of the particles of the STF) to produce a piston velocity and position. The set of fluid sensors are positioned proximal to the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1, where the head unit includes the chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF). The chamber includes the piston compartment and the auxiliary compartment. The auxiliary bypass couples the piston compartment and the auxiliary compartment controlling the flow of the STF between the piston compartment and the auxiliary compartment.

The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber and the piston configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston includes one of traveling through the piston compartment of the chamber in an inward direction or traveling through the piston compartment of the chamber in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

As an example of interpreting the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2, the computing entity20-1compares the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2, or a current auxiliary bypass status246(e.g., level of openness), to previous measurements of fluid flow versus piston velocity and position to produce the piston velocity182and piston position184. As another example of the interpreting the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2, the computing entity20-1extracts the piston velocity182and the piston position184directly from the fluid response232-1-1and/or232-1-2when the sensors116-1-1and116-1-2generate the velocity and piston position directly.

A second step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a shear force186based on the piston velocity182and piston position184. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42. As another example, the computing entity20-1receives the shear force186from at least one of the set of sensors when at least one sensor provides the shear force186directly. In an instance, the shear force186reveals the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston curve as illustrated inFIG.11A, where at a current time of interpreting the audio response, the force and piston velocity are at a point X1.

FIG.11Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a desired response188for the STF based on one or more of the shear force186and the piston velocity182and the piston position184. The desired response188includes continuing to follow a nominal response curve associated with the STF without modifying the functioning of the STF. The desired response188further includes modifying the function of the STF to further slow down the object12-1or to allow the object12-1to speed up at a velocity associated with the nominal response.

The determining the desired response188includes one or more of interpreting a request, interpreting guidance from the chamber database34, detecting that the piston velocity is greater than a maximum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too fast), detecting that the piston velocity is less than a minimum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too slow), and detecting an environmental condition warranting changing the viscosity (e.g., a triggering of a vehicular airbag sensor, detection of an earthquake, a proximity warning, etc.). For instance, the computing entity20-1determines that the desired response188to speed up the object12-1is warranted based on reaching a minimum piston velocity threshold level for object12-1.

Having determined the desired response188for the STF, a fourth step of the example method of operation includes the computing entity20-1adjusting the auxiliary bypass244based on the desired response188to affect a volume of the chamber16. Adjusting of the auxiliary bypass244includes direct adjustment and adjustment via one or more of the emitters. For example, the computing entity20-1determines an adjustment for the auxiliary bypass244to open the bypass to increase the volume of the chamber16such that the piston velocity can increase without a slow down due to a premature shear threshold effect as the actual response moves from a position X1to a position X2.

In an embodiment, the process repeats where further fluid response is utilized to recalculate the desired response. The computing entity20-1updates the adjustment to the auxiliary bypass for based on the recalculated desired response.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module of any computing entity of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1can alternatively be performed by other modules of the system ofFIG.1or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory section that is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or more processing modules of the one or more computing entities of the computing system10, cause one or more computing devices of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1to perform any or all of the method steps described above.

FIGS.12A-12Bare schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of a mechanical and computing system illustrating another example of controlling operational aspects. The mechanical and computing system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1, the object12-1ofFIG.1, and the computing entity20-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes the chamber16filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid (STF)42. The chamber16includes a piston compartment and an alternative reservoir250. The piston compartment includes the front channel26and the back channel24. A reservoir injector254couples the piston compartment and the alternative reservoir250controlling inflow of an alternative shear thickening fluid256from the alternative reservoir250to the piston compartment (e.g., into the back channel24) to mix with the STF42. In an example, such inflow occurs only once, during an emergency.

The piston is housed at least partially radially within the piston compartment of the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36via the plunger28from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the piston compartment of the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the piston compartment of the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The head unit10-1further includes a set of fluid flow sensors positioned proximal to the chamber16and a set of fluid manipulation emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. For example, sensors116-1-1and116-1-2and emitters114-1-1and114-1-2, where the sensors and emitters sense and emit energy respectively to interact with the STF42.

FIG.12Aillustrates an example of operation of a method for the controlling the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting fluid responses232-1-1and232-1-2from the STF42(e.g., in response to varying responsiveness of the particles of the STF) to produce a piston velocity and position. The set of fluid sensors are positioned proximal to the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1, where the head unit includes the chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF). The chamber includes the piston compartment and the alternative reservoir separated by a reservoir partition252. The reservoir injector254couples the alternative reservoir to the piston compartment controlling inflow of the alternative STF256from the alternative reservoir to the piston compartment to mix with the STF42.

The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber and the piston configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston includes one of traveling through the piston compartment of the chamber in an inward direction or traveling through the piston compartment of the chamber in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

As an example of interpreting the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2, the computing entity20-1compares the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2to previous measurements of fluid flow versus piston velocity and position to produce the piston velocity182and piston position184. As another example of the interpreting the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2, the computing entity20-1extracts the piston velocity182and the piston position184directly from the fluid response232-1-1and/or232-1-2when the sensors116-1-1and116-1-2generate the velocity and piston position directly.

A second step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a shear force186based on the piston velocity182and piston position184. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42. As another example, the computing entity20-1receives the shear force186from at least one of the set of sensors when at least one sensor provides the shear force186directly. In an instance, the shear force186reveals the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston curve as illustrated inFIG.12A, where at a current time of interpreting the audio response, the force and piston velocity are at a point X1.

FIG.12Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a desired response188for the STF based on one or more of the shear force186and the piston velocity182and the piston position184, where the desired response188includes injecting the alternative STF256into the back channel24. As an example, the desired response188further includes modifying the function of the STF by mixing it with the alternative STF to further slow down the object12-1associated with the new desired response.

The determining the desired response188includes one or more of interpreting a request, interpreting guidance from the chamber database34, detecting that the piston velocity is greater than a maximum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too fast), detecting that the piston velocity is less than a minimum piston velocity threshold level (e.g., too slow), and detecting an environmental condition warranting changing the viscosity (e.g., a triggering of a vehicular airbag sensor, detection of an earthquake, a proximity warning, etc.). For instance, the computing entity20-1determines that the desired response188to slow down the object12-1is warranted based on reaching an emergency piston velocity threshold level for object12-1.

Having determined the desired response188for the STF, a fourth step of the example method of operation includes the computing entity20-1activating the reservoir injector254in accordance with the desired response188for the STF to adjust the inflow of the alternative STF from the alternative reservoir250to the piston compartment to mix with the STF42. Activating the reservoir injector254includes direct activation and adjustment via one or more of the emitters. For example, the computing entity20-1determines to open the reservoir injector254to create a mixture of the alternative STF256and the STF42(e.g., with a significantly higher viscosity for the current shear force186) in the back channel24to significantly slow down the velocity of the object12-1as the actual response moves from the X1to a position X2.

In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir injector254, on its own, mechanically detects an undesired attribute within the back channel24(e.g., pressure greater than a high pressure over threshold level) and opens to initiate the inflow of the alternative STF256into the back channel24to mix with the STF42to enable an emergency slow down of the object12-1.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module of any computing entity of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1can alternatively be performed by other modules of the system ofFIG.1or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory section that is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or more processing modules of the one or more computing entities of the computing system10, cause one or more computing devices of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1to perform any or all of the method steps described above.

FIGS.13A-13Bare schematic block diagrams of another embodiment of a mechanical and computing system illustrating another example of controlling operational aspects. The mechanical and computing system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1, the object12-1ofFIG.1, and the computing entity20-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes the chamber16filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid (STF)42. The chamber16includes a piston compartment. The piston compartment includes the front channel26and the back channel24, where the variable partition260partitions the back channel24.

The piston is housed at least partially radially within the piston compartment of the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36via the plunger28from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber16in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The head unit10-1further includes a variable partition260positioned within the chamber between the piston and a closed end of the chamber to dynamically affect volume of the chamber based on activation of the variable partition. The head unit10-1further includes a set of fluid flow sensors positioned proximal to the chamber16and a set of fluid manipulation emitters positioned proximal to the chamber16. The set of fluid flow sensors provide a fluid response from the STF. The set of fluid manipulation emitters provide a fluid activation to the STF. For example, sensors116-1-1and116-1-2and emitters114-1-1and114-1-2are proximal to the chamber, where the sensors and emitters sense and emit energy respectively to interact with the STF42.

FIG.13Aillustrates an example of operation of a method for the controlling the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1interpreting fluid responses232-1-1and232-1-2from the STF42(e.g., in response to varying responsiveness of the particles of the STF) to produce a piston velocity and a piston position of the piston36. The set of fluid sensors are positioned proximal to the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1, where the head unit includes the chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid (STF).

The piston is housed at least partially radially within the chamber and the piston configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston from a force applied to the piston from the object12-1. The movement of the piston includes one of traveling through the chamber in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber in an outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates. The chamber includes the variable partition to dynamically affect volume of the chamber.

The interpreting the fluid flow response from the set of fluid flow sensors to produce the piston velocity and the piston position of the piston includes a series of sub-steps. A first sub-step includes inputting, from one or more fluid flow sensors of the set of fluid flow sensors, a set of fluid flow signals over a time range. For example, the computing entity20-1receives fluid responses232-1-1and232-1-2over the time range, where the fluid responses include the fluid flow signals.

A second sub-step includes determining the fluid flow response of the set of fluid flow sensors based on the set of fluid flow signals. For example, the computing entity20-1interprets the fluid flow signals to produce the fluid flow response.

A third sub-step includes determining the piston velocity based on the fluid flow response of the set of fluid flow sensors over the time range. For example, the computing entity20-1calculates piston velocity based on changes in the fluid flow response over the time range.

A fourth sub-step includes determining the piston position based on the piston velocity and a real-time reference. For example, the computing entity20-1calculates the piston position based on time in the piston velocity as the piston moves through the chamber.

As yet another example of interpreting the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2, the computing entity20-1compares the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2to previous measurements of fluid flow versus piston velocity and piston position to produce the piston velocity182and piston position184. As a still further example of the interpreting the fluid response232-1-1and232-1-2, the computing entity20-1extracts the piston velocity182and the piston position184directly from the fluid response232-1-1and/or232-1-2when the sensors116-1-1and116-1-2generate the piston velocity and piston position directly.

A second step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a shear force186based on the piston velocity182and the piston position184. The determining the shear force based on the piston velocity and the piston position includes one approach of a variety of approaches. A first approach includes extracting the shear force directly from the fluid flow response when one or more fluid flow sensors of the set of fluid flow sensors outputs a shear force encoded signal. For example, the computing entity20-1extracts the shear force186directly from the fluid responses232-1-1and232-1-2. In an instance, the shear force186reveals the piston velocity versus force applied to the piston curve as illustrated inFIG.13A, where at a current time of interpreting the fluid flow response, the force and piston velocity are at a point X1.

A second approach includes determining the shear force utilizing the piston velocity and stored data for piston velocity verses shear force for the STF. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42.

A third approach includes determining the shear force utilizing the piston position and stored data for piston position verses shear force for the STF within the chamber. For example, the computing entity20-1compares the velocity and position to stored data for instantaneous velocity and position verses shear force for the STF42.

FIG.13Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the method for the controlling the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the computing entity20-1determining a desired response188for the STF based on one or more of the shear force186, the piston velocity182, and the piston position184, where the desired response188includes moving the variable partition260within the back channel24. The determining the desired response for the STF based on one or more of the shear force, the piston velocity, and piston position includes one or more approaches. A first approach includes interpreting a request associated with modifying one or more of object velocity and object position. For example, the computing entity20-1interprets a request from another computing entity to update the desired response for the STF to increase viscosity to slow down the object12-1.

A second approach includes interpreting guidance from a chamber database. For example, the computing entity20-1interprets data from the chamber database34ofFIG.1Ato identify an updated response for the STF. For instance, the response for the STF is updated to decrease viscosity when historical information in the chamber database34indicates that a decrease in viscosity is desired based on a current piston position and current shear force.

A third approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the second range of shear rates to slow down the object when detecting that the piston position is greater than a maximum piston position threshold level. A fourth approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the first range of shear rates to speed up the object when detecting that the piston position is less than a minimum piston position threshold level.

A fifth approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the second range of shear rates to slow down the object when detecting that the piston velocity is greater than a maximum piston velocity threshold level. A sixth approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the first range of shear rates to speed up the object when detecting that the piston velocity is less than a minimum piston velocity threshold level.

A seventh approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the second range of shear rates to slow down the object when detecting that the shear force is less than a minimum shear force threshold level. An eighth approach includes establishing the desired response to include facilitating the first range of shear rates to speed up the object when detecting that the shear force is greater than a maximum shear force threshold level.

A ninth approach includes detecting an environmental condition warranting a change in viscosity of the STF. For example, the computing entity20-1determines to change the viscosity of the STF when a triggering of a vehicular airbag sensor is detected. As another example, the computing entity20-1determines to change the viscosity of the STF when detecting an earthquake. As yet another example, the computing entity20-1determines to change the viscosity of the STF when detecting a proximity warning (e.g., of a certain collision).

A tenth approach includes establishing the desired response to include activation of the variable partition to expand the volume of the chamber (e.g., move the variable partition away from the piston) when establishing the desired response to include facilitating the first range of shear rates. An eleventh approach includes establishing the desired response to include activation of the variable partition to contract the volume of the chamber (e.g., move the variable partition towards the piston) when establishing the desired response to include facilitating the second range of shear rates.

Having determined the desired response188for the STF, a fourth step of the example method of operation includes the computing entity20-1activating the variable partition260in accordance with the desired response188for the STF to adjust the volume of the chamber. The activating the variable partition in accordance with the desired response for the STF to adjust the volume of the chamber includes one or more approaches. A first approach includes generating a variable partition activation235to expand the volume of the chamber when the desired response for the STF includes facilitating the first range of shear rates.

A second approach includes generating the variable partition activation to contract the volume of the chamber when the desired response for the STF includes facilitating the second range of shear rates. A third approach includes outputting the variable partition activation to the variable partition. For example, the computing entity20-1outputs the variable partition activation235to the variable partition260facilitate moving of the variable partition260.

Alternatively, or in addition to, the activating the variable partition260includes adjustment via one or more of the emitters. For example, the computing entity20-1determines to move the variable partition260further inwards to lower the viscosity of the STF to affect increasing the velocity of the object12-1as the actual response moves from the X1to a position X2by outputting fluid activation234-1-1and234-1-2to the emitters114-1-1and114-1-2respectively to move the variable partition260further inwards.

In an alternative embodiment, the variable partition260, on its own, mechanically detects an undesired attribute within the back channel24(e.g., pressure greater than a high pressure over threshold level) and moves further inward to initiate the speeding up of the object12-1.

The method described above in conjunction with a processing module of any computing entity of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1can alternatively be performed by other modules of the system ofFIG.1or by other devices. In addition, at least one memory section that is non-transitory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a non-transitory computer readable memory organized into a first memory element, a second memory element, a third memory element, a fourth element section, a fifth memory element, a sixth memory element, etc.) that stores operational instructions can, when executed by one or more processing modules of the one or more computing entities of the computing system10, cause one or more computing devices of the mechanical and computing system ofFIG.1to perform any or all of the method steps described above.

FIGS.14A-14Bare schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of a mechanical system illustrating an example of controlling operational aspects. The mechanical system includes the head unit10-1ofFIG.1and the object12-1ofFIG.1.

In particular, the head unit10-1for controlling motion of the object12-1includes the chamber16filled at least in part with the shear thickening fluid (STF)42. The chamber16includes the front channel26and the back channel24.

The piston is housed at least partially radially within the piston compartment of the chamber16. The piston36is configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to movement of the piston36from a force applied to the piston36via the plunger28from the object12-1.

The movement of the piston36includes one of traveling through the chamber16in an inward direction or traveling through the chamber16in an outward direction. The piston36travels toward the back channel24and away from the front channel26when traveling in the inward direction. The piston travels toward the front channel26and away from the back channel24when traveling in the outward direction. The STF is configured to have a decreasing viscosity in response to a first range of shear rates and an increasing viscosity in response to a second range of shear rates.

The piston36includes a first piston bypass38-1between opposite sides of the piston that controls flow of the STF between the opposite sides of the piston from the back channel24to the front channel26when the piston is traveling through the chamber in the inward direction to cause the STF to react with a first shear threshold effect. The piston36further includes a second piston bypass38-2between the opposite sides of the piston that controls flow of the STF between the opposite sides of the piston from the front channel26to the back channel24when the piston36is traveling through the chamber in the outward direction to cause the STF to react with a second shear threshold effect.

In another embodiment, the piston includes a single piston bypass between opposite sides of the piston that controls flow of the STF between the opposite sides of the piston between the back channel and the front channel when the piston is traveling through the chamber to cause the STF to react with a shear threshold effect.

When the piston36includes two or more piston bypasses, each piston bypass includes a one-way check valve and a variable flow valve. When the piston includes one piston bypass, the piston bypass includes the variable flow valve.

The first piston bypass38-1and the second piston bypass38-2are configured with a particular diameter of the variable valve to allow the STF to flow through from one channel to the other of the chamber in accordance with a desired overall effect on viscosity of the STF42. The graph ofFIG.14Aillustrates a nominal response curve for plunger velocity versus force applied to the plunger taking into account different diameters of the piston bypasses. For example, when the first piston bypass38-1has a larger diameter opening as compared to the opening of the second piston bypass38-2, the (positive) velocity of the piston is allowed to travel faster since the effect on the viscosity is to lower the viscosity and hence raise the velocity of the piston traveling inward within the chamber.

FIG.14Aillustrates an example of operation of the mechanical system for the controlling the operational aspects. A first step of the example of operation includes the piston moving inwards in response to the object12-1applying an inward force to the plunger28(e.g., pushing). The actual response is depicted on the graph ofFIG.14Awhere the actual response follows the nominal response expected for the STF as a point in time of Y1is reached.

When the piston is traveling through the chamber in the inward direction, the first shear threshold effect includes the first range of shear rates when the STF is configured to have the decreasing viscosity and the second range of shear rates when the STF is configured to have the increasing viscosity. A first setting of the variable flow valve of the first piston bypass38-1facilitates the first range of shear rates when the STF is to have the decreasing viscosity and a second setting of the variable flow valve facilitates the second range of shear rates when the STF is to have the increasing viscosity. When the piston is traveling through the chamber in the inward direction, the one-way check valve of the second piston bypass38-2prevents STF flow through second piston bypass38-2.

In the alternative embodiment with the one piston bypass, when the piston is traveling through the chamber, a first setting of the variable flow valve of the one piston bypass facilitates the first range of shear rates when the STF is to have the decreasing viscosity and a second setting of the variable flow valve of the one piston bypass facilitates the second range of shear rates when the STF is to have the increasing viscosity.

A second step of the example of operation includes the STF moving from the back channel24through the first piston bypass38-1to the front channel26at a first velocity to cause the STF to react with a first shear threshold effect. Larger diameters of the first piston bypass38-1lowers pressure and shear force within the back channel24leading to higher piston velocity as the piston moves inwards.

FIG.14Bfurther illustrates the example of operation of the mechanical system for the controlling the operational aspects. A third step of the example of operation includes the piston36moving outwards in response to the object12-1applying an outward force to the plunger28(e.g., pulling). The actual response is depicted on a graph ofFIG.14Bwhere the actual response moves to follow the nominal response expected for the STF, at a point in time of Y2, when moving in the outward direction (e.g., negative piston velocity).

When the piston is traveling through the chamber in the outward direction, the second shear threshold effect includes the first range of shear rates when the STF is configured to have the decreasing viscosity and the second range of shear rates when the STF is configured to have the increasing viscosity. In the alternative embodiment with the one piston bypass, when the piston is traveling through the chamber, the shear threshold effect includes the first range of shear rates when the STF is configured to have the decreasing viscosity and the second range of shear rates when the STF is configured to have the increasing viscosity.

When the piston is traveling through the chamber in the outward direction, the one-way check valve of the first piston bypass prevents STF flow through the first piston bypass38-1. When the piston is traveling through the chamber in the outward direction a first setting of the variable flow valve of the second piston bypass facilitates the first range of shear rates when the STF is to have the decreasing viscosity and a second setting of the variable flow valve of the second piston bypass facilitates the second range of shear rates when the STF is to have the increasing viscosity.

A third step of the example of operation includes the STF moving from the front channel26through the second piston bypass38-2to the back channel24at a second velocity to cause the STF42to react with a second shear threshold effect. The second velocity is less than the first velocity and the second shear threshold effect is more abrupt than the first shear threshold effect when the diameter of the second piston bypass38-2is less than the diameter of the first piston bypass38-1. As a result, the mechanical system provides an unequal bidirectional response for the inward and outward motion of the object12-1.

As may further be used herein, a computer readable memory includes one or more memory elements. A memory element may be a separate memory device, multiple memory devices, or a set of memory locations within a memory device. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, a quantum register or other quantum memory and/or any other device that stores data in a non-transitory manner. Furthermore, the memory device may be in a form of a solid-state memory, a hard drive memory or other disk storage, cloud memory, thumb drive, server memory, computing device memory, and/or other non-transitory medium for storing data. The storage of data includes temporary storage (i.e., data is lost when power is removed from the memory element) and/or persistent storage (i.e., data is retained when power is removed from the memory element). As used herein, a transitory medium shall mean one or more of: (a) a wired or wireless medium for the transportation of data as a signal from one computing device to another computing device for temporary storage or persistent storage; (b) a wired or wireless medium for the transportation of data as a signal within a computing device from one element of the computing device to another element of the computing device for temporary storage or persistent storage; (c) a wired or wireless medium for the transportation of data as a signal from one computing device to another computing device for processing the data by the other computing device; and (d) a wired or wireless medium for the transportation of data as a signal within a computing device from one element of the computing device to another element of the computing device for processing the data by the other element of the computing device. As may be used herein, a non-transitory computer readable memory is substantially equivalent to a computer readable memory. A non-transitory computer readable memory can also be referred to as a non-transitory computer readable storage medium.