Clutch
US6902048B1 · kind B1 · utility
20Cited by
28References
53Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D43/25
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides various clutch/gear assemblies that can be driven by a single motor. The clutch/gear assemblies comprise a smart material which changes shape when supplied with energy, e.g., current or heat. The smart material achieves one of a first or a second shape when supplied with energy, and achieves the other shape when it is not supplied with energy. When the smart material achieves a first shape it causes a clutch surface of the clutch/gear to engage and be driven by a shaft coupled to the motor and when the smart material achieves a second shape it allows the clutch surface to disengage from the shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.