7971results about "Brake actuating mechanisms" patented technology

The disclosure relates to General Synchronized Vibration devices that provide haptic feedback to a user and improve the performance of existing vibratory devices. Different actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators including interleaved rotating mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller sends signals to one or more driver circuits to provide adjustment of vibration magnitude, frequency, and direction of the actuators. The system may apply forces onto an object, and a sensor measures a feature(s) of the object. This information is provided to a vibration device controller, which can then modify the vibration waveform to improve overall system performance. Fourier synthesis can be used to approximate arbitrarily shaped waveforms by controlling the phase and frequency of vibration actuators. These waveforms can include asymmetry where the peak force in one direction is higher than the peak force in another direction.

All all-terrain vehicle has a shiftable transmission that is coupled to a variable speed V-belt transmission. The variable speed V-belt transmission is joined to a crankshaft through a centrifugal clutching arrangement. The shiftable transmission enables an operator to go between low, high, neutral, reverse, and park. In the park position, the transmission is locked from substantial rotation such that the engaged wheels of the all-terrain vehicle are also locked from substantial rotation, whether or not the engine speed is sufficient to allow the centrifugal clutch to be engaged with the variable speed transmission.

A rotary shaft (3) and a rotation driven member (4) are so connected as to be capable of transmitting motive power when the rotary shaft (3) rotates relatively to the rotation driven member (4). A roller (6) gets displaced to a first position where a frictional force with an outer race (5) and the rotation driven member (4) decreases, thereby permitting transmission of a rotational force from the rotary shaft (3) to the rotation driven member (4). When the rotation driven member (4) rotates relatively to the rotary shaft (3), the roller (6) gets displaced to a second position where the frictional force with the outer race (5) and the rotation driven member (4) increases, thereby rotationally fixing the rotation driven member (4) with respect to the outer race (5). The power transmission from a brake apparatus (e.g., a parking brake apparatus) to an electric motor (2) can be hindered while permitting the power transmission to the brake apparatus from the electric motor (2) by using neither a worm exhibiting a relatively low transmission efficiency nor a worm wheel. In a state where the brake apparatus exhibits its braking force, the roller (6) receives the force from the brake apparatus and is thereby biased toward the second position, whereby a construction of a power transmission mechanism (50) can be simplified and costs can be reduced to such an extent.

An electrically powered brake system capable of performing a self-diagnosis of elements of the electrically brake system to diagnose a failure before a vehicle is driven is provided. The electrically powered brake system having a parking brake having a conversion mechanism 6 converting a rotary motion of a motor 2 into a linear motion, propelling a piston 7 according to the rotation of a rotor 2A of the motor 2 by the conversion mechanism, pressing brake pads 3 and 4 against a disc rotor 5 by the piston to generate a braking force, and retaining the braking force by a locking mechanism 10 has a control unit 20 performing a diagnosis of elements constituting the system during actuation of the parking brake. The control unit performs a diagnosis of a fail safe relay 26 receiving the supply of electric power of the motor, and performs diagnoses of a braking force sensor 8, a rotation angle detecting sensor 9 and a current sensor.

The disclosure relates to General Synchronized Vibration devices that provide haptic feedback to a user and improve the performance of existing vibratory devices. Different actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators including interleaved rotating mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller sends signals to one or more driver circuits to provide adjustment of vibration magnitude, frequency, and direction of the actuators. The system may apply forces onto an object, and a sensor measures a feature(s) of the object. This information is provided to a vibration device controller, which can then modify the vibration waveform to improve overall system performance. Fourier synthesis can be used to approximate arbitrarily shaped waveforms by controlling the phase and frequency of vibration actuators. These waveforms can include asymmetry where the peak force in one direction is higher than the peak force in another direction.

In an operation range of an actuator subjected to quick acceleration and deceleration, a motor drive apparatus, an electric actuator and an electric power steering apparatus capable of continuous torque control up to the high drive speed and high torque area. A controller comprises a voltage saturation detecting means for detecting the voltage saturation of the output voltage of an inverter circuit, based on the battery voltage, and a waveform controller that converts the drive waveform of the inverter circuit into the waveform created by superimposing harmonics of high odd-numbered order on a sinusoidal wave as a fundamental wave of the modulated wave modulated by a PWN carrier wave; and continuously changes the ratio of superimposing the high-order harmonics in response to the voltage saturation detected by a voltage saturation detecting means. This arrangement allows the controller to continuously change the drive waveform of the inverter circuit.

The disclosure concerns a a motor drive apparatus, an electric actuator and an electric power steering apparatus capable of continuous torque control up to the high drive speed and high torque area, in order to enable quick acceleration and deceleration. A controller comprises a voltage saturation detecting apparatus for detecting the voltage saturation of the output voltage of an inverter circuit, based on the battery voltage, and a waveform controller that converts the drive waveform of the inverter circuit into the waveform created by superimposing harmonics of high odd-numbered order on a sinusoidal wave as a fundamental wave of the modulated wave modulated by a PWN carrier wave; and continuously changes the ratio of superimposing the high-order harmonics in response to the voltage saturation detected by a voltage saturation detecting means. This arrangement allows the controller to continuously change the drive waveform of the inverter circuit.

A linear compressor and apparatus to control the linear compressor are provided which allows a frequency of a drive current supplied to a drive motor to synchronize with a resonance frequency varying according to a load fluctuation, in real time, thus obtaining a maximum efficiency of the linear compressor. The linear compressor includes a drive motor, a piston reciprocating by the drive motor and a control unit generating a reference current having a phase difference of 90° with respect to a displacement waveform of the piston and a frequency equal to the displacement waveform of the piston, and controls a drive current supplied to the drive motor to synchronize with a resonance frequency of the piston by synchronizing the drive current with the reference current.

A fall protection safety device including a braking mechanism comprises a first component, a second component configured and arranged to move relative to the first component, and at least one magnet operatively connected to one of the components and another of the components being at least partially made of a non-ferromagnetic and electrically conductive material. The at least one magnet and the non-ferromagnetic and electrically conductive material creating an electromagnetic field force when the second component moves at a rate greater than a predetermined rate relative to the first component.

A brake system including an electromechanical brake actuator having an actuator ram for exerting a brake force on a brake stack of a wheel to be braked in response to a control signal. In addition, the brake system includes a force sensor for sensing the brake force exerted on the brake stack by the actuator ram and outputting a force feedback signal based thereon; and a position sensor for sensing a position of the actuator ram and outputting a position feedback signal based thereon. Moreover, the brake system includes a controller for providing the control signal to the electromechanical brake actuator based on the force feedback signal and the position feedback signal.

The present invention relates to a cordless braking system for a mobility-aiding device, such as a wheeled walker (a rollator) or a transport chair. The cordless braking system includes a brake actuating linkage, disposed inside the leg and handlebar members of the mobility-aiding device, which extends during height adjustment of the handlebars. The brake-actuating linkage and the leg / handlebar of the mobility-aiding device are designed to enable a locking pin or bolt to extend all the way therethrough to ensure that all of the height-adjustable members are secured together during use.

An electromagnetic brake, including an electromagnetic brake actuator coil surrounding a power input shaft for a multiple-ratio transmission in a vehicle powertrain, is disclosed. An electromagnetic flux flow path for the actuator coil is electromagnetically isolated from the power input shaft and other elements of the powertrain thereby avoiding residual magnetization.

A sensor equipped axle unit having an in-wheel type motor built therein, in which a hub bearing assembly (A), an electric motor (B), a reduction gear unit (C) and a brake assembly (D) are arranged coaxially on a center axis of a vehicle drive wheel. Sensors (80, 81 and 82) are provided for measuring forces Fx, Fy and Fz acting at a point of contact of the vehicle drive wheel (70) and a road surface in three axis directions perpendicular to each other, respectively, from the status of at least one of the hub bearing assembly (A), the electric motor (B), the reduction gear unit (C) and the brake assembly (D). Results of such measurement are utilized for a suspension control, an ABS control and any other control.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated helical spring brake comprises a rotatable member and a helical wrap spring arranged concentrically about the rotatable member. The spring has a first spring end and a second spring end and includes a number of turns that are based radially inward and are configured to frictionally engage the rotatable member. The turns permit rotation of the rotatable member in a first direction and inhabit rotation in a second direction. The SMA-actuate helical spring brake also include an anchor point coupled to the second spring end, and an SMA actuator having an output drive member coupled to the first spring end. The SMA actuator is configured to, for example, deflect the first spring end to permit the rotatable member to rotate.

A brake system control unit controls one of first and second portions of a wheel brakes electric brake actuators to activate one of the first and second portions of the actuators and deactivate the other during an inhibited braking mode. The control unit controls the activated portion of the brake actuators to generate a braking force greater than the commanded braking force of the brake pedal command, such as twice the commanded braking force, to compensate for the deactivated portion of the brake actuators. The inhibited braking mode is discontinued during emergency braking when the commanded braking force is greater than or equal to a predetermined braking force. The inhibited braking mode is also discontinued when failure of one or more brake actuators is detected.

A lock arrangement for a transmission, in particular in the form of a parking-lock arrangement for an automated transmission. The lock arrangement is prestressed by a first spring accumulator into a locking position in which the transmission is locked. The lock arrangement is capable of being shifted by means of an actuator from the locking position into a release position in which the transmission is released. The lock arrangement has an electronically activatable blocking device which is designed for blocking the lock arrangement mechanically in the locking position.

The invention provides a motor-driven wheel drive device in which the durability of a wheel bearing is increased, the weight and size thereof are reduced, and the disassembly and reassembly thereof is taken into account. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] This motor-driven wheel drive device comprises a drive part (4) having an electric motor (M) driving a planetary speed reduction gear (2) installed in the wheel bearing (1) and a rotating member (17). The wheel bearing (1) further comprises a hub wheel (6) on which an inside rolling surface (6a) is formed, an inner ring (7) press-fitted to the hub wheel, an outer member (8) in which double rows of outside rolling surfaces (8a) are formed, and rolling elements (9). The planetary speed reduction gear (2) further comprises a sun gear (3) formed in a rotating member (17), a plurality of planetary gears (12) disposed between the outer member (8) and the sun gear (3), and carrier pins (14) pivotally supporting these planetary gears on a connection shaft (13). The drive part (4) further comprises the electric motor (M) releasably disposed on the outer member (8) and the rotating member (17). The connection shaft (13) is connected to the hub wheel (6) through a serration, and the rotation of the electric motor (M) is transmitted to the hub wheel (6) through the rotating member (17) and the planetary speed reduction gear (2).

A braking system is disclosed that includes a brake (22), a ram (20) shiftable in a linear direction relative to the brake (22) for actuating the brake (22), and a stop (24) for limiting movement of the ram (20). The system further includes a motor (12) for moving the ram (20) which motor (12) includes a stator and a rotor (13) and a commutation sensor (14) producing an output. A motor controller (28) receives a commutation signal based on the output and controls the motor (12) based on the commutation signal. A processor (31) also uses the commutation signal to generate a position signal indicative of the position of the ram (20) relative to the stop (24). Methods of using this system are also disclosed.

A combined vehicle brake including a hydraulically actuated service brake and an electromechanically actuated parking brake device, a hydraulic operating pressure chamber in a brake housing being defined by a brake piston, which for performing service braking actions can be acted upon by hydraulic pressure fluid, so that the brake piston can be actuated along a piston longitudinal axis in order to produce a braking action, and the parking brake device acting on the brake piston by way of a transmission that translates the rotary motion of an electromechanical actuator into a translational motion and actuates the brake piston to perform parking brake actions and to keep it in the actuated position. Also disclosed is a transmission for translating a rotary motion into a translational motion by way of a screw spindle and a spindle nut, which are in contact with one another by way of multiple rolling elements.

A disk brake having a brake caliper and a brake actuation mechanism being supported in it, in which the brake actuation mechanism includes an amplification mechanism for introducing a clamping force, an adjustment device for compensation of lining wear with a torque clutch, a thrust element for transmitting the clamping force onto a brake disc and a reset device, which components are arranged around a rod, in which the torque clutch, for example, is formed as a roller-ramp-mechanism. A spring force can act onto the torque clutch by means of the reset device thereby forming a torque limit. Furthermore the invention relates to an assembly method for such a disc brake.

The invention broadly contemplates an apparatus that makes it possible to easily lift up and open a notebook type computer cover irrespective of a weight of the cover and stop the cover at a predetermined opened / closed position. A portable electronic apparatus includes: a main body provided with an input operating portion, a cover provided with a display unit, a hinge mechanism including a rotary shaft fixed to the cover and a support member fixed to the main body. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic mechanism having a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, in which the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are disposed with respect to the rotary shaft so that when the current is applied or not applied to the electromagnet, a repulsive or attractive force is generated which allows the rotary shaft to be in a rotatable state, and thereby allow an opening / closing torque to act on the cover.

An improved electronic braking system for walkers that incorporates one or more electrically-operated brakes controlled by an electronic controller is disclosed. The controller is responsive to touch-sensitive switches for easy operation, and is adjustable and responsive to operator patterns of use to provide individualized control of the brake operation. The controller may also be responsive to environmental conditions such as the slope of the ground over which the walker is moving, to its rate of motion, or to the distance between the walker frame and the user, and may be adjusted to accommodate for the weight of the user or to set limits to the speed at which it can move.

The present invention is directed to a unique solution for caliper assemblies, brake pads utilized in such caliper assemblies, support structures utilized in caliper assemblies and disc brake systems containing such caliper assemblies which utilize push pull or pull push abutment designs.

The invention relates to a device and method for assisting a subject to perform a motion such as a lift. The invention comprises a first anchor attachable to a first side of a joint of the subject's body, a second anchor attachable to a second side of the joint; and an elastic member connecting the first anchor and the second anchor, such that articulation of the joint in a first direction causes deformation of the elastic member and storing of energy, and articulation of the joint in a second direction causes relaxation of the elastic member wherein the energy is released and assists the subject to perform a motion in said second direction. The invention may be used at a subject's waist, ankle, wrist, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, and / or at least one joint of the back and / or neck.

A brake caliper mounting clip is disposed between a brake caliper having a brake pad channel and a brake pad having an edge member. The edge member moves in the brake pad channel between a rotor gap and a caliper housing. The clip further comprises a pad holding portion slidingly engaged with the edge member and having a plurality of pad retaining members. The pad retaining members are connected to the pad holding portion and disposed between the edge member and the rotor gap. The plurality of the pad retaining members is further configured to prevent the brake pad from falling into the rotor gap. Additionally the edge member of the brake pad and the plurality of pad retaining members are configured to prevent improper installation of the brake pads in the caliper.