Actuator assist apparatus, actuator system and method
US10851805B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2017 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/16
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An actuator assist apparatus for use with an actuator has a housing and a piston member slidably disposed in the housing. The piston member divides the interior of the housing into a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The actuator assist apparatus is configurable between a first, primed, configuration and an activated configuration. A force applicator is configured to store energy when the apparatus is in the primed configuration and release the energy to move the piston member relative to the housing. Movement of the piston member applies a force which assists in urging the actuator towards an extended configuration, thereby reducing the minimum operating pressure of the actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.