Patent · US Expired

Torque limiting adjuster

US7198392B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
4References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 28, 2005
Grant dateApr 3, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 24, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60Q1/076
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An adjuster to be used with numerous applications including the adjusting of a headlamp reflector of a headlamp assembly includes a clutch mechanism that prevents over-driving and over-traveling of the adjuster output shaft during an overload condition. The adjuster includes generally an output shaft, drive gear, spring, and a driven gear that allow the headlamp adjuster to clutch. The driven gear is held in an engaged position with the drive gear by the spring force of the spring. In a high torque condition, such as when the output shaft encounters a high load, the driven gear will disengage from the drive gear overcoming the spring force of the spring. In this position, the headlamp adjuster will clutch, thereby preventing the over-driving and over-traveling of the output shaft.

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