US 12,668,364 B2Granted

Linearly driven rotary actuator mechanism

AssigneeB/E Aerospace, Inc.

InventorsJohn Johnson, Evan Duggins

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Abstract

An actuator mechanism includes a base mountable to a first component, and a spindle rotatably mounted to the base and attachable to a second component rotatable relative to the first component. At least one extension spring is disposed in the base. A cable has a first end attached to the spindle and a second end attached to the at least one extension spring. A spring tensioner is movably mounted to the base. In use, the spring tensioner is operable to preload the mechanism, rotating the spindle in a first direction winds the cable and stretches the at least one extension spring, and rotating the spindle in a second direction unwinds the cable and relaxes the at least one extension spring. In embodiments, the mechanism may be utilized to reduce weight force and provide lift assistance to rotating components.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An actuator mechanism, comprising:

a base mountable to a first component, the base comprising a first portion and a second portion angled relative to the first portion;
a spindle rotatably mounted to the second portion of the base, the spindle attachable to a second component rotatable relative to the first component;
at least one extension spring disposed in the first portion of the base;
at least one pulley rotatably mounted at a junction of the first portion and the second portion of the base;
a cable having a first end attached to the spindle and a second end attached to the at least one extension spring, wherein the cable is routed around the at least one pulley to impart a direction change in the cable at the junction and/or to reduce required pull force;
and
a spring tensioner movably mounted to the base and attached to the at least one extension spring;
wherein, in use:
the spring tensioner is movable relative to the base to tension the at least one extension spring;
rotation of the spindle in a first direction can wind the cable on the spindle thereby stretching the at least one extension spring;
and
rotation of the spindle in a second direction opposite the first direction can unwind the cable from the spindle thereby relaxing the at least one extension spring.

9 more elements

An assembly, comprising:

a first component and a second component rotatably hinged to the first component;
and
an actuator mechanism for controlling rotation of the second component relative to the first component, the actuator mechanism including:
a base mounted to the first component;
a spindle rotatably mounted to the base, the spindle attached to and rotatably fixed relative to the second component;
at least one extension spring disposed in the base;
a cable having a first end attached to the spindle and a second end attached to the at least one extension spring;
and
a spring tensioner movably mounted to the base and attached to the at least one extension spring;
wherein, in use:
the spring tensioner is movable relative to the base to tension the at least one extension spring;
rotating the second component relative to the first component in a first direction can wind the cable on the spindle thereby stretching the at least one extension spring;
and
rotating the second component relative to the first components in a second direction opposite the first direction can unwind the cable from the spindle thereby relaxing the at least one extension spring.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.