Abstract:
Some embodiments relate to a compact noncontact mechanical coupling, damping, and/or load bearing device comprising an internal load bearing member and an external load bearing member mated in an interdigitated relation while maintaining a gap therebetween. Some embodiments include a means for maintaining the gap between the internal and external load bearing members including, without limitation, hydrostatic means, hydrodynamic means, electrorheological fluids, magnetorheological fluids, electric fields, and/or magnetic fields.
Abstract:
An electromechanical device has a rotor, a stator, and a module that at least partially houses the rotor. During normal operation of the electromechanical device, the stator is positioned external to and separate from the module.