Mechanical fuse and method of use

Details Mechanical fuse and method of use Mechanical fuse and method of use

2006-07-25

2006-07-25

Kim, Chong H. (Department: 3682)

Machine element or mechanism

Control lever and linkage systems

Hand operated

C403S002000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07080572

ABSTRACT:
A mechanical fuse is used with ergonomic devices for seats such as automobile seats to allow the ergonomic devices to tolerate abusive loads without breaking a linkage, such as a traction cable, used to move the ergonomic supports. The traction cable is comprised of a sleeve with a wire disposed to slide axially through the sleeve. The mechanical fuse is installed with the sleeve divided into two sections, with an end of each section seated into a male component or a female component of the mechanical fuse. The male and female components of the mechanical fuse slide axially relative to one another but are restrained from sliding by insertion of a boss on one component into a detent on the other component. The boss and detent hold the male and female components together in a friction fit that resists axial movement. When an abusive force is applied to the fuse, the friction fit of the boss and detent is overcome so that the boss slides out of the detent in a radial direction. Once released, the male and female components slide axially into one another, shortening the overall distance of the traction cable sleeve until the abusive load is released so that the traction cable sleeves can resume their originally selected relative spacing. The friction fit is maintained by the compressive biasing of an external spring. The compressive force is resisted, and the fuse is reset, by the expansive force of an internal spring.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4330926 (1982-05-01), McCall
patent: 4755632 (1988-07-01), Pelet et al.
patent: 6007267 (1999-12-01), VanHorn
patent: 6668680 (2003-12-01), Freund et al.
patent: 6763740 (2004-07-01), Ose

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