User-selectable force conversion apparatus and method
US8573572B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F3/023
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A user-selectable force conversion apparatus includes a first and a second connecting member that are pivotally connected to each other between a sliding member and a fixed member. The apparatus also includes a leaf spring holder for removably retaining one or more leaf springs and loading the second connecting member with a substantially linear force response of the leaf springs. A user may change the combination of leaf springs and/or vary a length ratio for the first and second connecting members and thereby change the force response of the apparatus. Movement of the sliding member by the mechanical input may convert the substantially linear force response of the leaf springs to a user-selected force response for the mechanical input. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.