Electromechanical strut
US7234757B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/546
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An electromechanical strut using an inline motor coupled to an inline planetary gear that are both mounted in the lower housing. The motor-gear assembly drives a worm gear and nut screw in the upper housing, extending or retracting an extensible shaft. Additionally, a power spring mounted coaxially around the worm gear provides a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of a lift gate on the shaft. As the shaft extends, the power spring uncoils, assisting the motor-gear assembly in raising the lift gate. Retracting the shaft recoils the spring, storing potential energy. Thus, a lower torque motor-gear assembly can be used, reducing the diameter of the lower housing. Preferably, the power spring can also drive the power screw to extend the strut even when the motor-gear assembly is not engaged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.