US 11,845,590 B2 · Self-adjusting preload for memory alloy wire

Abstract

A preload mechanism for an actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the actuator such that contraction of the actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A lidded container, comprising:

a body and a lid, the lid being coupled to the body and having a closed position configured to resist access to a compartment within the body, and an open position;
and
a latch release mechanism comprising a latch lever, a rotating element, an actuator, and a plunger, the plunger coupled to the rotating element and extending to the latch lever, wherein the actuator is coupled to the rotating element to move the rotating element in a first direction when the actuator is activated, and a biasing element is coupled to the rotating element to move the rotating element in a second direction that is different than the first direction;
wherein, when the actuator is activated such that the rotating element moves in the first direction, engagement of the plunger against the latch lever moves the latch lever in the first direction to permit the lid to move to the open position, and when the actuator is not activated and the lid is moved from the open position to the closed position, the lid engages against the latch lever to move the latch lever away from the plunger, in the first direction.

1 more element

A lidded container, comprising:

a body, a lid, and a latch release mechanism, the latch release mechanism comprising a latch lever, a preload mechanism, and an actuator, the preload mechanism having a rotating element, a plunger, and a biasing element, wherein the actuator is coupled to the rotating element to cause the rotating element to rotate in a first direction from a first position to a second position when the actuator is activated, and the plunger is coupled to the rotating element and extends to the latch lever to move the latch lever in the first direction when the actuator is activated;
the biasing element having a first portion that is fixed relative to the rotating element and a second portion coupled to the rotating element, the biasing element configured to provide a restoring force to the rotating element in a second direction from the second position toward the first position when the actuator is not activated;
and
the lid being coupled to the body and having a closed position configured to resist access to a compartment within the body, and an open position, wherein, when the lid is moved from the open position to the closed position when the actuator is not activated, engagement of the lid against the latch lever moves the latch lever away from the plunger.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-adjusting preload for memory alloy wire

Life of this patent

Self-adjusting preload for memory alloy wire

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20