Bi-directional magnetic clutch
US9816571B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2041/0646
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bi-directional coupler that selectively couples and de-couples a driving element to a driven element. The coupler includes an outer shaft having an outer shaft slot and an inner shaft having an inner shaft slot, where the inner and outer shafts are configured to rotate independently of each other. The coupler also includes a ball bearing provided within the inner shaft slot and having a size so that when the ball bearing is located at a center portion of the inner shaft slot it does not interfere with rotation of the outer shaft, where the ball bearing is held in that location by a magnet located in the inner shaft. Rotation of the inner shaft above a predetermined rotational speed causes the ball bearing to engage the outer shaft slot so as to cause the inner shaft to be locked to the outer shaft and rotate therewith.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.