Vibration control system and improvements in or relating to skis

Abstract

Vibration control systems are described which provide for the variation in stiffness and damping in a structure. The systems are based on the use of rheological fluid, with examples provided of magnetorheological fluid flex actuators and semi-active damping systems. An adaptive vibration control system is also described incorporating sensors, a signal processor and a power supply together with the fluid flex actuators and semi-active damping systems. Embodiments are described for use in and with skis.

1 - 39 . (canceled)  
   
   
       40 . A vibration control system, the system comprising a mounting surface upon which is located a flexible hose, the hose having a first cross-sectional area filled with a rheological fluid and ends abutted to the surface.  
   
   
       41 . A vibration control system as claimed in  claim 40 , wherein the rheological fluid is an electrorheological fluid which undergoes a change in viscosity proportional to a change in electric field.  
   
   
       42 . A vibration control system as claimed in  claim 40 , wherein the rheological fluid is a magnetorheological fluid which undergoes a change in viscosity proportional to a change in applied magnetic field.  
   
   
       43 . A vibration control system as claimed in  claim 40 , wherein a plurality of hoses are located on the surface.  
   
   
       44 . A vibration control system as claimed in  claim 43 , wherein the hoses are located symmetrically on the surface.  
   
   
       45 . An adaptive vibration control system, the system comprising sensing means to determine one or more environmental characteristics, a signal processor to determine a controlling response to the characteristics and vibration control means responsive to the controlling response to counter vibration.  
   
   
       46 . An adaptive vibration control system as claimed in  claim 45 , wherein the vibration control means comprises a structure including a chamber and a means for creating a variable applied field within the chamber, wherein the chamber is substantially filled with a theological fluid which under the influence of the applied field causes a variation in the stiffness of the structure.  
   
   
       47 . An adaptive vibration control system as claimed in  claim 45 , wherein the vibration control means comprises a mounting surface upon which is located a flexible hose, the hose having a first cross-sectional area filled with a rheological fluid and ends abutted to the surface.  
   
   
       48 . An adaptive vibration control system as claimed in  claim 45 , wherein the sensing means is at least one sensor.  
   
   
       49 . An adaptive vibration control system as claimed in  claim 45 , wherein the sensing means is a multi-sensor array.  
   
   
       50 . An adaptive vibration control system as claimed in  claim 45 , wherein the multi-sensor array is a distributed array of PVDF piezo-sensors.  
   
   
       51 . An adaptive vibration control system as claimed in  claim 45 , wherein the adaptive vibration control system includes a power supply located adjacent the system, the power supply including a piezo material such that movement of the material creates an electric signal.  
   
   
       52 . A ski, the ski including a vibration control system, the system comprising sensing means to determine one or more environmental characteristics, a signal processor to determine a controlling response to the characteristics and vibration control means responsive to the controlling response to counter vibration.  
   
   
       53 . A ski as claimed in  claim 52 , wherein the vibration control means comprises a structure including a chamber and a means for creating a variable applied field within the chamber, wherein the chamber is substantially filled with a theological fluid which under the influence of the applied field causes a variation in the stiffness of the ski.  
   
   
       54 . A ski as claimed in  claim 52 , wherein the vibration control means comprises a mounting surface upon which is located a flexible hose, the hose having a first cross-sectional area filled with a theological fluid and ends abutted to the surface.  
   
   
       55 . A ski as claimed in  claim 52 , wherein the vibration control system comprises vibration control means comprising a structure including a chamber and a means for creating a variable applied field within the chamber, wherein the chamber is substantially filled with a theological fluid which under the influence of the applied field causes a variation in the stiffness of the ski, and vibration control means comprising a mounting surface upon which is located a flexible hose, the hose having a first cross-sectional area filled with a theological fluid and ends abutted to the surface to vary damping of the ski.  
   
   
       56 . A ski as claimed in  claim 52 , wherein the sensing means is a multi-sensor array being a distributed array of PVDF piezo-sensors.  
   
   
       57 . A ski as claimed in  claim 52 , wherein the sensing means is sensor arrays positioned at modal points on the ski.  
   
   
       58 . A ski as claimed in  claim 52 , wherein the vibration control means are located a modal points on the ski.  
   
   
       59 . A ski as claimed in  claim 52 , further comprising a power supply comprising a layered piezo-ceramic, and wherein power generation comes from a skier's movement over the ski acting on the piezo-ceramic.