Elastic motor having time-averaged constant torque output
AssigneeAvionic Instruments, Inc.
InventorLewis Illingworth
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An elastic motor having a constant torque characteristic utilizes a reel with elastic divided into unit lengths that are stretched to their maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable, constant, and stable output characteristic.
Claims17
A method of producing a substantially sawtoothed constant torque output comprising the steps of:
- dividing an elastic member into a plurality of elastically independent sections;
- individually putting at least some of said sections of said elastic member under tension, such that at least some of said elastic member is under substantially uniform tension;
- and
- individually releasing the tension in each of said sections.
A mechanical stored energy device comprising:
- a first reel, said first reel being rotatable, and further comprising a lock to prevent rotation of said first reel;
- a first endplate, coupled to said first reel, having a diameter substantially larger than said first reel and further having a common axis of rotation with said first reel, said first endplate further comprising a plurality of slots;
- a member, said member being both flexible and stretchable, said member further comprising transverse bars, said bars dividing said member into elastically independent sections, said member further capable of winding upon said first reel under tension, wherein said tension stretches said member;
- a second reel, said second reel being rotatable, said second reel coupled to said first reel via said member;
- a second endplate, coupled to said second reel, and further overlapping said first endplate, having a diameter substantially larger than said second reel and further having a common axis of rotation with said second reel, said second endplate further comprising a plurality of slots;
- wherein said transverse bars of said member articulate with said slots of said first endplate and said second endplate, thus, when said lock is released the energy stored in said member under tension is released, allowing the transfer of energy between said first reel and said second reel, causing rotation of said second reel, said rotation having a substantially sawtoothed constant torque characteristic.
A mechanical stored energy device having a substantially constant torque output, said mechanical stored energy device comprising:
- an elastic member consisting of an elastic material, and further comprising transverse members, said transverse members being substantially stiffer than said elastic material;
- a first reel, said first reel being rotatable, and further comprising a first endplate, said first endplate comprising a plurality of slots into which said transverse members can articulate, wherein said elastic member is coupled to said first reel;
- a second reel, said second reel being rotatable, and further comprising a second endplate, said second endplate comprises fewer slots than said first endplate, wherein said transverse members articulate into said slots on said second endplate, thereby winding said elastic member under substantially uniform tension.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.