Patent · US Expired

Rotational energy storage device and tools incorporating same

US6196332A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
12References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 3, 1998
Grant dateMar 6, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 3, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E60/16
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A rotational energy storage device or spring which includes a roller-cam assembly having a shaft, a ring rotatably disposed about the shaft, and at least one roller disposed between shaft and ring. The roller is configured such that, upon rotating the ring relative to the shaft, the roller interferes with the ring and the shaft to convert and effect storage of mechanical energy created by the relative rotation of the ring and the shaft. Preferably a plurality of spaced rollers are positioned between ring and shaft. A cam geometry which is symmetrical or asymmetrical is provided on the shaft, the ring, the roller, and combinations thereof. A rotational energy storage device having a back-up ring with alternating thin and thick cross-sectional areas is further provided which is indexed to provide regions of low and high stiffness regions against each roller.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.