Tri-stable flexure mechanism
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsStefan Rakuff, Donald S. Farquhar, Ganesh Krishnamoorthy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments of a tri-stable flexure mechanism are described where a resilient component is present that serves as both a structural component in the kinematic chain of the mechanism and as energy storing component of the mechanism. The resilient component maintains a movable arm and an input link in either a first stable state or a second stable state when the ends of the resilient component are held in place so that the resilient component has a state of high elastic strain energy. In a third stable state, where the resilient component is in a relaxed state of lower elastic strain energy, the mechanism may be in a tripped state distinct from the closed and open states.
Claims17
An actuation system, comprising:
- a latch assembly configured to releasably engage a cradle;
- a movable arm;
- a resilient component comprising a first end having a revolute joint on the cradle and a second end connected to the movable arm, wherein the resilient component is elastically deformed and stores elastic strain energy in one of a first state or a second state when the latch assembly is engaged with the cradle and wherein the resilient component is in a third state that is not substantially elastically deformed and stores substantially no elastic strain energy when the latch assembly is not engaged with the cradle;
- and
- an input link engaged with the resilient component between the first end and the second end, wherein movement of the input link between a first position and a second position when the latch assembly is engaged with the cradle transitions the resilient component between the first state and the second state.
A circuit breaker assembly, comprising:
- a latch assembly configured to releasably engage a cradle;
- a movable arm configured to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position;
- a leaf flexure comprising a first end having a revolute joint on the cradle and a second end connected to the movable arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.