Constant force apparatus and method
US6945800B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/2442
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A constant force apparatus having a cam (12) with a non-planar surface (13), a compliant member (14) with a free end (18), a fixed end (16), and an intermediate contact area (20) therebetween, wherein the free end (18) of the compliant member (14) (slidably engages the non-planar surface (13) of the cam (12) and the compliant member (14) provides a substantially constant reaction force at the intermediate contact area (20) regardless of displacement (22) of the intermediate contact area (20). The compliant member (14) can further include a material capable of conducting electricity for use as an electrical contact. The apparatus can further comprise a docking station for use with a dockable unit to accept the dockable unit and provide an electrical connection thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.