Compact active material actuated transmissions for driving multiple output loads from a single primary actuator
AssigneesGM Global Technology Operations LLC, Dynalloy, Inc.
InventorsJames H. Brown, Alan L. Browne, Nilesh D. Mankame, Nancy L. Johnson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Power is selectively transferred from a primary actuator to one of a plurality of output shafts with a transmission including a plurality of output members coupled to an input member, the input member being coupled to the primary actuator. A first active material actuator includes a mechanical coupling feature coupling one of the plurality of output shafts to one of the plurality of output members when the active material actuator is activated.
Claims20
Method for selective power transfer from a primary actuator to at least one of a plurality of outputs, the method comprising:
- monitoring a desired output configuration;
- and
- selectively actuating an active material actuator to achieve the desired output configuration by mechanically coupling one of the plurality of outputs to the primary actuator.
Method for selective torque transfer from a torque generating device to at least one of a plurality of output shafts, the method comprising:
- monitoring a desired configuration of the plurality of output shafts;
- and
- actuating an active material actuator including a mechanical coupling device to achieve the desired configuration of the plurality of output shafts by mechanically engaging one of the plurality of output shafts to the torque generating device through the mechanical coupling feature.
Apparatus for selective power transfer from a primary actuator to one of a plurality of output shafts, the apparatus comprising:
- a first transmission comprising a plurality of first output members coupled to a first input member, the first input member coupled to the primary actuator;
- and
- a first active material actuator including a first mechanical coupling feature coupling one of the plurality of output shafts to one of the plurality of first output members when the first active material actuator is activated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.