Mechanical fuse and method of use
US7080572B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20462
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mechanical fuse is used with ergonomic devices for seats such as automobile seats to allow the ergonomic devices to tolerate abusive loads without breaking a linkage, such as a traction cable, used to move the ergonomic supports. The traction cable is comprised of a sleeve with a wire disposed to slide axially through the sleeve. The mechanical fuse is installed with the sleeve divided into two sections, with an end of each section seated into a male component or a female component of the mechanical fuse. The male and female components of the mechanical fuse slide axially relative to one another but are restrained from sliding by insertion of a boss on one component into a detent on the other component. The boss and detent hold the male and female components together in a friction fit that resists axial movement. When an abusive force is applied to the fuse, the friction fit of the boss and detent is overcome so that the boss slides out of the detent in a radial direction. Once released, the male and female components slide axially into one another, shortening the overall distance of the traction cable sleeve until the abusive load is released so that the traction cable sleeves c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.