Magnetic latch mechanism and method particularly for brakes
US5443132A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2129/065
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A magnetic latching mechanism and method having permanent magnets and electromagnets arranged to alternately magnetically latch one member to either of two other members using the magnetic flux of the permanent magnets. The magnetic flux of the electromagnets is used to modify the permanent magnetic flux to cancel its magnetic latching to one of the other members and attract the one member to the other of the other members so that the one member is moved to disengage from the one member and engage that other member. The electromagnets are then deenergized and only the permanent magnets' magnetic flux magnetically latches the one member to that other member. The process is reversed to move the one member back into latching engagement with the member with which it in disengaged, magnetically released, relation. The mechanism is disclosed as being used to actuate and release parking brakes by acting on a parking brake actuating arm to move, latch and release that arm. Mechanical assist mechanisms are also disclosed which may be used to assist in the magnetic force instigated movements as needed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.