Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Variable stiffness bushing

Abstract:

A variable stiffness bushing includes: inner and outer tubular members; and an elastic member connecting these tubular members. At least one pair of liquid chambers axially separated from each other is defined in the elastic member. The liquid chambers are connected by a communication passage including a circumferential passage provided in one of the inner and outer tubular members. The one of the inner and outer tubular members includes a coil wound coaxially therewith and a yoke provided with a gap constituting the circumferential passage. A magnetic fluid fills the liquid chambers and the communication passage. Upper and lower end walls and an axially intermediate partition wall of the elastic member are configured such that when the tubular members are axially displaced relative to each other, a difference is created between volumes of the axially separated liquid chambers.