Electrostatic rotary clutch
US10663016B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F13/24
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices are provided for an electrostatic rotary clutch. The clutch comprises electrically-conductive housing plates fixed into position in grooves within a housing of the clutch. The clutch also comprises rotor plates that are fixed onto a shaft. The shaft is positioned within the housing such that each rotor plate is adjacently positioned next to each housing plate, thereby forming a plurality of electrically-conductive plate pairs. To produce a torque resistance on the shaft, a voltage differential is applied between the housing and rotor plates, which causes an electrostatic adhesion between the housing and rotor plate in each electrically-conductive plate pair. Alternatively, the housing and rotor plates are not fixed into position, enabling a greater number of housing and rotor plates within the housing and increasing the torque resistance produced on the shaft when applying the voltage differential.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.