Assembly with negative torsional stiffness

US10030731B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• HRL Laboratories, LLC · US

Inventors

• Jacob M. Hundley · Newbury Park, US
• Christopher P. Henry · Thousand Oaks, US
• Geoffrey P. McKnight · Los Angeles, US
• Andrew C. Keefe · Calabasas, US
• Sloan P. Smith · Calabasas, US
• Jacob J. Mikulsky · Santa Monica, US
• Gavin Chang · Craydon Court, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 2013
• Grant date: Jul 24, 2018
• Expiry date: Jul 7, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16F2236/08
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A negative stiffness torsional spring. A plurality of spokes secured between a hub and an outer cylinder assembly are preloaded in compression. As the hub is rotated, the stiffness of the torsional spring is negative over a range of angles.