Drive system for an automatic step
US10059268B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2326/20
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drive system for an automatic step including an actuator for moving an automatic step, a crank arm pivotally coupled to the actuator and pivotable about a central shaft, and a first link pivotally coupled to the crank arm, the first link having first and second ends. The linkage comprises one or more force mitigation mechanisms capable of reducing forces eccentric to the actuator. A first force mitigation mechanism engages when the step is deployed or nearly deployed by aligning the central shaft with the first and second ends of the first link along a first axis to generally place eccentric forces originating from the step against the central shaft of the crank arm instead of directly engaging the actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.