Control panel actuator device
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsTimothy C. McIlroy, David J. Carta
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An actuator assembly for remote actuation of control panel components in an environment that restricts human access is contemplated. The actuator assembly includes one or more remotely controllable linear drive mechanisms for imparting a rotation motion on one or more cams to remotely press a control panel component such as a button or switch. While disengaged, the cams are rotated to a position where they minimally obstruct an operator's view. The actuator assembly also allows the force and throw of actuation to be accurately controlled.
Claims12
An actuator for actuating a control component on a control panel comprising:
- an actuator body having one or more fixed elongated sections;
- an elongated slider component parallel to the one or more fixed elongated sections;
- a cam component rotatably coupled to one or more of said one or more fixed elongated sections and slidably coupled to said elongated slider component;
- a drive mechanism coupled to said actuator body and to said slider component, said drive mechanism adapted to impart axial motion on said elongated slider component;
- wherein said cam component is adapted to rotatably engage said control panel control component in response to said axial motion of said slider component.
An actuator for actuating a control component on a control panel comprising:
- an actuator body having one or more fixed elongated sections;
- an elongated slider component proximately parallel to the one or more fixed elongated sections;
- a cam component rotatably coupled to one or more of said one or more fixed elongated sections and slidably coupled to said elongated slider component, the cam component including a contact section for contacting said control panel control component, the contact section including
- one or more holes disposed on said contact section;
- and
- synthetic polymer threading for mounting a pad to said contact section for protecting said control panel control component, said synthetic polymer threading being threaded through said one or more holes on said contact section;
- and
- a drive mechanism coupled to said actuator body and to said slider component, said drive mechanism adapted to impart axial motion on said elongated slider component;
- wherein said cam component is adapted to rotatably engage said control panel control component in response to said axial motion of said slider component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.