Rotating drive magnetically coupled for producing linear motion
US5524499A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19902
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mechanism to linearly drive an object has a driven member and a magnetic coupling--with first and second mutually facing elements which transmit longitudinal force but allow relative lateral motion that may be translational or rotational. In one form of the device a flange extends from one element, along a direction including a longitudinal component, to engage--through the intermediary of a set of balls--a surface on the other element. The surface and flange cooperate to constrain the two elements against relative lateral motion in at least one direction. Magnetic fields clamp the balls between the flange and surface, to eliminate play perpendicular to the surface, and permit relative motion parallel to the surface. Two stages in series transmit torque through the system but absorb transverse translational wobble. Another form of the device also absorbs transverse rotational wobble: instead of flange and surface, the coupling has two curved surfaces (which may be cylindrical or spherical) and balls between them. A driving member can be added, moving the driven member longitudinally when the driving member rotates; either is elongated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.