Tunable Vibration Control in Power Tool Handles Using a Magnetorheological Elastomer Device

Abstract

A novel modular device integrating a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) has been designed for adaptable attachment to various power tool auxiliary handles using their standard circular clamp and T-headed bolt mechanism. The core of the electromagnet of the device serves as the primary attachment interface. A relative validation approach was adopted to characterize its vibration control capabilities across different tool configurations. Instead of device-specific testing, the modular unit, loaded with supplementary masses of 1 kg and 1.5 kg to simulate various power tool weights, was mounted on a shaker and exposed to a defined vibration spectrum. The effect of varying the magnetic field strength on the dynamic behavior of the MRE-based isolator was examined. Experimental results reveal a notable positive shift in the system's natural frequency of approximately 3 Hz, transitioning from 12 Hz to 15 Hz when the maximum magnetic field was applied. Concurrently, the transmitted vibration amplitude was substantially reduced, averaging around 12%, under the same maximum field conditions. These findings highlight the potential of this modular MRE device as a versatile and easily integrable solution for tunable vibration damping in a wide array of power tools. Its semi-active nature offers a pathway to significantly enhance user comfort, reduce operator fatigue, and improve overall operational stability across diverse applications. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.