Actuating Device
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJohn Ziavras, Richard L. Walton, Mark A. Cook
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An actuator is configured for transmitting a force or torque to a load. In one example configuration, the actuator includes an input device configured to apply an output force. A backstopping clutch is configured to transmit torque only in the input direction and to prevent back-driving of the input device. An overrunning clutch is configured to include a driven member moved in response to the transmitted torque in the input direction. The load may be moved in response to the driven member, or the load may be moved by a force applied directly to the load.
Claims20
An actuator for transmitting a force to a load, comprising:
- an input device configured to apply the force in a rotary direction;
- a backstopping clutch configured to transmit force only when directed in the rotary direction and to prevent back-driving of the input device;
- and
- an overrunning clutch having a driven member moved in response to the force in the rotary direction, wherein the load may be moved in response to a force applied by the driven member, and wherein the overrunning clutch allows the load to be moved by a force applied directly to the load.
An actuator for moving a door on an aircraft, comprising:
- an input device configured to apply force in a rotary direction;
- a backstopping clutch configured to transmit force only when directed in the rotary direction and to prevent back-driving of the input device;
- an overrunning clutch having a driven member moved in response to the force in the rotary direction, wherein the door may be moved in response to a force conveyed from the driven member, and wherein the overrunning clutch allows the door to be moved by a force applied directly to the door;
- and
- a drive component having an engaged position that conveys force from the driven member of the overrunning clutch to move the door and a disengaged position wherein the drive component is secured by the input device into the disengaged position.
A manually actuated door assembly for an aircraft, comprising:
- a door;
- an input device configured to apply torque;
- a backstopping clutch configured to transmit torque, while preventing back-driving of the input device;
- an overrunning clutch having a driven member moved in response to the input torque, wherein the door may be moved in response to a force applied by the driven member and the door may be moved in response to a force applied to the door without resistance from a driving member of the overrunning clutch;
- and
- a drive component having an engaged position that allows the driven member of the overrunning clutch to apply force to the door and a disengaged position wherein the drive component secured in the disengaged position by the input device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.