Variable stiffness series elastic actuator
US11192266B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2017 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H49/001
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable stiffness actuator comprises a flexure plate which comprises a first cantilevered beam that extends inwards from an outer periphery of the flexure plate. A housing and the flexure plate rotatable about a common joint axis. A first contactor is pivotably secured at a revolute joint to the housing. The first contactor rotates about the revolute joint at a first rotation axis. The first rotation axis offset on the housing from the joint axis. The first contactor engages the first cantilevered beam at a variable angle about the rotation axis to adjust a stiffness of a mechanical connection between the flexure plate and the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.