Electromechanical Limited Rotation Rotary Actuator
AssigneePangolin Laser Systems, Inc.
InventorWilliam R. Benner, JR.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An electromechanical limited rotation rotary actuator comprises a stator having an aperture extending axially therein and at least two teeth having arcuate end portions forming an aperture. A rotor includes a diametral magnetized magnet bidirectionally operable with the stator and extending into the aperture. A non-uniform gap is formed between the magnet and the end portions of the teeth, and wherein the shape of the gap provides a restoration torque resulting in a spring-like return-to-center action of the rotor. An electrical coil extends around at least a portion of one tooth and is excitable for magnetizing the tooth and providing bidirectional torque to the rotor.
Claims35
An electromechanical limited rotation rotary actuator comprising:
- a stator having an aperture extending axially therein and at least two teeth having arcuate end portions forming at least a portion of the aperture;
- a rotor having a shaft and at least one diametral magnetized magnet bidirectionally operable with the stator and extending into the aperture thereof, wherein a non-uniform gap is formed between the magnet and the arcuate end portions of the teeth, and wherein the shape of the gap provides a restoration torque resulting in a spring-like return-to-center action of the rotor;
- and
- an electrical coil extending around at least a portion of one tooth of the at least two teeth, wherein the electrical coil is excitable for magnetizing the tooth and providing bidirectional torque to the rotor.
An electromechanical limited rotation rotary actuator comprising:
- a stator having an aperture extending axially therein and at least two teeth having arcuate end portions forming at least a portion of the aperture;
- a rotor having a shaft and at least one diametral magnetized magnet bidirectionally operable with the stator and extending into the aperture thereof, wherein a generally oval shaped gap is formed between the magnet and the arcuate end portions of the teeth, and wherein the oval shaped gap provides a restoration torque resulting in a spring-like return-to-center action of the rotor;
- and
- an electrical coil extending around at least a portion of one tooth of the at least two teeth, wherein the electrical coil is excitable for magnetizing the tooth and providing bidirectional torque to the rotor.
An electromechanical limited rotation rotary actuator comprising:
- a stator having an aperture extending axially therein and at least two teeth having arcuate end portions forming at least a portion of the aperture;
- a rotor having a shaft and at least one diametral magnetized magnet having a generally circular cross section, the magnet bidirectionally operable with the stator and extending into the aperture thereof, wherein a non-uniform gap is formed between the magnet and the arcuate end portions of the teeth, so as to result in the gap having wider gap portions on opposing first sides of the aperture than narrower gap portions on opposing second sides thereof, and wherein the shape of the gap provides a restoration torque resulting in a spring-like return-to-center action of the rotor;
- and
- an electrical coil extending around at least a portion of one tooth of the at least two teeth, wherein the electrical coil is excitable for magnetizing the tooth and providing bidirectional torque to the rotor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.