Actuator system for positioning a workpiece
AssigneeJohnson Controls Technology Company
InventorsEric Steenwyk, Brian L. Brinks, Paul Brinks
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An actuator system is disclosed for positioning a component interface relative to a work surface, including a first shaft coupled to the worksurface and a counterweight coupled to the first shaft, a second shaft coupled to the worksurface and the component interface coupled to the second shaft, a coupler communicating with the first shaft and the second shaft, a clutch mechanism in operable engagement with the second shaft; and a power source coupled to the second shaft for selectively applying a force to the second shaft when the clutch mechanism is engaged.
Claims43
An actuator system for positioning a component interface relative to a worksurface, comprising:
- a first shaft coupled to the worksurface;
- a counterweight coupled to the first shaft;
- a second shaft coupled to the worksurface;
- the component interface coupled to the second shaft;
- a coupler communicating with the first shaft and the second shaft;
- a clutch mechanism in operable engagement with the second shaft;
- and
- a power source coupled to the second shaft for selectively applying a force to the second shaft when the clutch mechanism is engaged.
An actuator system for positioning a workpiece, comprising:
- means for moving a component interface between a loading position and an installation position;
- means for counterbalancing the movement of the component interface between the loading position and the installation position;
- and
- means for applying a force on the workpiece when the component interface is in the installation position.
An actuator system for receiving and positioning a component, comprising:
- a drive member;
- a component interface coupled to the drive member for movement between a component loading position and a component installing position, the component interface adapted to receive one or more components;
- a force applicator operatively engaging the drive member;
- a force generator coupled to the force applicator to selectively apply a force to the drive member;
- at least one counterbalance device operatively coupled to the drive member to substantially balance the component interface.
A method for installing a workpiece on a worksurface, comprising:
- loading a workpiece in a holder, the holder capable of movement between a workpiece loading position and a workpiece installing position;
- moving the holder containing the workpiece from the loading position to the installing position;
- counterbalancing the movement of the holder between the loading position and the installing position;
- applying a force to the workpiece using a clutch device;
- and installing the workpiece on the worksurface.
A component positioning device, comprising:
- a component interface movable between a receiving position and an installing position,
- at least one counterbalance weight operably engaging the component interface, and
- an engagement device selectively operable between an engaged position and a released position;
- a force applicator for selectively applying a force to the component interface when the component interface is in the installing position and the engagement device is in the engaged position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.