Self locking MRF actuators for dampers and latches

MRF actuators are new electromechanical components using Magneto Rheological Fluids (MRF). When submitted to a high enough magnetic field, MRF switch from a liquid to a near solid body. These new developed MRF actuators were developed in order to reach three aims: to offer a blocking force at rest which can be strongly reduced by applying a current, to provide an electrically-controllable resistive force over a stroke of 30 mm, to perform the control of the force in a very short time, typically in a few milliseconds.