“ We designed a new brake device which applying the technology of magneto-rheological fluid (MR fluid).” Shiao Yao-jung, Chair and Professor at the Dept. of Vehicle Engr. of Taipei Tech said.

Shiao Yao-jung introduced MR fluid is one kind of smart fluids. “In an MR fluid, there are many tiny particles with permeability inside. In the designed brake, MR fluid is filled into the gap between the stationary and rotating parts. Without applying a electric current to the brake, the rotating part can rotate nearly freely.”

After applying a electric current, those particles start to form many chains to connect the stationary and rotating parts. Those chains results in a resistance torque for the brake. The level of the resulted brake can be controlled by the magnitude of applied current. “It means that we can control brake torque by adjusting the input current.” Shiao Yao-jung said.

Initially, this MR brake was used as a brake system in cars or motorcycles in our lab. Shiao Yao-jung added, “Since the MR brake has good property of torque controllability and fast response, we used this brake as a resistance device in fitness.”

The MR fluid fitness brake is expected to hit the market in 2016, it is an industry-academic cooperation managed by the Ministry of Technology.