192 clutches and power-stop control – Transmission and brake – Torque-responsive brake
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-07
2002-08-13
Bonck, Rodney H. (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Transmission and brake
Torque-responsive brake
C464S057000, C464S169000, C188S373000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06431340
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method and mechanism for reducing the shock load on an actuator when the output shaft of the actuator is slowed or approaches its limit of travel.
2. Description of the Related Art
Prior art methods of and mechanisms for reducing shock load on an actuator generally included (1) rubber limit stops, (2) friction clutches, and (3) compression spring mechanisms. However, rubber limit stops do not work effectively over a wide temperature range due to changes in the durometer of the rubber with temperature. Friction clutches that use disks of material that are compressed together are susceptible to wear and change in torque with use. Compression spring mechanisms generally include two compression springs and a lever attached and extending perpendicularly from the output shaft. The lever rotates with the shaft and contacts a compression spring when the output shaft reaches its angular limit of travel. The disadvantages of the compression spring mechanism, in addition to requiring more than one spring, include that it is difficult to achieve similar rates of deceleration for the output shaft as it reaches each of its angular limits of travel because difference of spring rates (rate of deflection with a given load) between the two compression springs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.
This invention offers advantages over the prior art by providing a simple, inexpensive method for reducing the shock load on the drive of a rotary or linear actuator when the motion of the actuator output shaft is slowed, even to the point of stopping. This is referred to as bringing the actuator to a “soft stop.” Additionally, the invention may include a spring and this spring stores energy that may be used to maintain a force against elements that may be attached to the invention's output shaft, such as a linkage, cable, or rod. This invention uses a single spring wherein the spring may be a torsion, ribbon or compression spring.
REFERENCES:
patent: 701872 (1902-06-01), Giacomini
patent: 1188941 (1916-06-01), Kiewicz
patent: 1730014 (1929-10-01), Reece
patent: 2417434 (1947-03-01), Mead et al.
patent: 2477670 (1949-08-01), Toth et al.
patent: 2598709 (1952-06-01), Morris
patent: 2889902 (1959-06-01), Harrison et al.
patent: 4281747 (1981-08-01), Knobel et al.
patent: 4493673 (1985-01-01), Anders et al.
patent: 4579201 (1986-04-01), Tiedeman
patent: 4606444 (1986-08-01), Sekella
patent: 4683995 (1987-08-01), Periou
patent: 5037231 (1991-08-01), Kitamura
patent: 5141092 (1992-08-01), Bevans et al.
patent: 5226528 (1993-07-01), Schaffer et al.
patent: 5329119 (1994-07-01), Swartz et al.
patent: 5389040 (1995-02-01), Kakimi
patent: 5464083 (1995-11-01), Arnold et al.
patent: 5492097 (1996-02-01), Byram et al.
patent: 5765668 (1998-06-01), Hasselberg et al.
patent: 5842659 (1998-12-01), Ligon et al.
patent: 6220109 (2001-04-01), Fischer et al.
patent: 0396354 (1990-04-01), None
patent: 2000008700 (2000-01-01), None
patent: 2000110435 (2000-04-01), None
France Howard
Ineson David J.
Bonck Rodney H.
Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
LandOfFree
Soft stop mechanism and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Soft stop mechanism and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Soft stop mechanism and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2929126