US 10,765,581 B2 · Spool for winch actuator

Abstract

A spool assembly and method of use is disclosed having generally a first and a second mating portions which can mate along a longitudinal axis of the spool to retain a belt therein. The mating surfaces of the first and second mating portions can take a variety of geometries or splines which can efficiently retain the belt while maintaining a suitable transmission ratio. In an exemplary embodiment, the spool exit curve for the retained belt can be radially inward of a majority of the spool to reduce the overall diameter of the spool. In some exemplary embodiments, the spool can be mounted within a motor and rotated thereby to spool and unspool the belt.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A spool assembly for a winch actuator, the spool assembly including,

a spool extending along a central axis, the spool including
a first spool part extending along the central axis having a first clamping face and a first exit curve defining an end of the first clamping face;
and
a second spool part extending along the central axis, the second spool part having a second clamping face and a second exit curve defining an end of the second clamping face;
and
a belt disposed between the first spool part and the second spool part,
wherein the first clamping face and the second clamping face are offset from one another to define a clamping gap for the belt, and
wherein the first exit curve is disposed a first distance from the central axis and the second exit curve is disposed a second distance from the central axis, the first distance being smaller than the second distance.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Spool for winch actuator

Life of this patent

Spool for winch actuator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15