Clutch with radial spring
AssigneeBoston Dynamics, Inc.
InventorsBrian Todd Dellon, Adam Henery Borrell, Christopher Robert LeBrun
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A clutch assembly includes a first member for mechanically coupling to an output shaft. A first material is frictionally coupled to a first side surface of the first member. A second material is frictionally coupled to a second side surface of the first member. A compliant member is configured to apply an axial force on at least one of the first material and the second material. A radial spring least partially surrounds an exterior surface of the first member.
Claims24
A clutch assembly comprising:
- a harmonic drive including:
- a wave generator configured to mechanically couple to an input shaft,
- a flex spline, and
- a circular spline,
- wherein the flex spline is arranged to be rotationally fixed and the circular spline is arranged to rotate at a different speed than the wave generator when the wave generator rotates;
- a first pad frictionally coupled to a distal side surface of the circular spline;
- a second pad frictionally coupled to a proximal side surface of the circular spline;
- a compliant member configured to apply an axial force on the first pad and the second pad;
- and
- a radial spring surrounding an exterior surface of the circular spline, the radial spring comprising a bushing lining.
A method of operating a clutch assembly, the method comprising:
- supplying rotational energy to a first member of a clutch assembly;
- and
- transferring a torque load from the first member of the clutch assembly to a torque transfer plate, wherein a radial spring surrounds the first member of the clutch assembly;
- wherein, when the torque load satisfies a torque limit defined at least in part by a compliant member of the clutch assembly, the first member slips relative to at least one material frictionally coupled to the first member.
A method of manufacturing a clutch assembly, the method comprising:
- providing a first output member, starting a component stack;
- inserting a compliant member into the component stack;
- inserting a torque transfer plate assembly into the component stack;
- fastening the component stack together;
- positioning a radial spring relative to a first member;
- inserting the radial spring and the first member into the component stack;
- fastening the second output member to the first member.
A clutch assembly comprising:
- a first member configured to mechanically couple to an output shaft;
- a first material frictionally coupled to a first side surface of the first member;
- a second material frictionally coupled to a second side surface of the first member;
- a compliant member configured to apply an axial force on at least one of the first material and the second material;
- and
- a radial spring at least partially surrounding an exterior surface of the first member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.