Abstract:
A failsafe actuator (102) for returning an actuator driven element (318) to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition is provided. The failsafe actuator may include mechanical (300) or electrical (500) means to provide a failsafe function. Such a failsafe actuator may be used in a stabilizer bar system (206) of a vehicle to ensure that at least one stabilizer bar (110a, 110b) is returned to a failsafe or engaged condition should a failure condition occur when the stabilizer bar is disengaged. Various failure conditions can include loss of electrical power to the actuator or some internal actuator failures.
Abstract:
An electro-mechanical actuator (100) including a motor (104) for driving an actuator output shaft (126) through a gear train and a drive belt (112) for coupling torque from the motor (104) to the gear train. In one embodiment, elastomeric motor supports (130) are provided between the motor (104) and an actuator housing (102).
Abstract:
An actuator including a motor having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train includes a plurality of output gears and an associated plurality of output ports for providing a mechanical output from the actuator. The gear train may be provided in a variety of configurations, and may include a worm gear and worm wheel configuration for reducing audible noise. Position sensing may be provided for determining the position of a movable element, e.g. one or more adjustable pedals of an adjustable pedal system. A controller may control the position of the movable element in response to a user input, and may facilitate auto-calibration of the element upon installation. Various configurations for isolating actuator components for reducing audible noise, including a sub-frame isolation configuration, are also provided.
Abstract:
An actuator for a vehicle driveline component includes a motor, a housing, a gear train that is arranged in the housing and coupled to the motor, and an output shaft that is arranged in the housing and coupled to the gear train. The output shaft is configured to move between multiple positions in response to rotational drive from the motor via the gear train. The output shaft is configured to be operatively connected to the vehicle driveline component. The actuator further includes a manual release shaft that extends through the housing to expose a feature that is configured to cooperate with a tool. The manual release shaft has a decoupled position in which the manual release shaft is immobile during rotation of the output shaft and a coupled position in which the manual release shaft is operatively connected to the output shaft to rotate the output shaft in response to an input provided at the feature.
Abstract:
A cylinder position sensor system including a cylinder barrel; a piston disposed within the cylinder barrel; a piston rod coupled to the piston, at least one magnet coupled to the piston; and at least one sense element positioned outside of the piston barrel. The magnet establishes a field sensed by the sense element for providing an indication of the position of the piston.
Abstract:
A device for illuminating a target surface of a vehicle. The device includes a base and a top cover coupled to the base. The top cover includes a perimeter wall portion and an actuator portion coupled to the perimeter wall portion. The actuator portion extends generally downward between walls of the perimeter wall portion toward the base and is movable toward the base for changing the state of a switch upon application of an external force to the actuator portion. A light source is coupled to the base and positioned for illuminating the target surface through the actuator portion.
Abstract:
An actuator and door latch system incorporating the same. The actuator moves a door latch between locked and unlocked positions with rapidity using a gear train directly coupled to an actuator motor or energy stored in an energy storage element such as a spring.
Abstract:
A steering shaft lock actuator including at least one motor having an output shaft; a drive train coupled to the output shaft, a locking pawl coupled to the drive train; and a housing for at least partially enclosing the motor, the drive train, the locking pawl and the locking pin. The drive train may be configured to linearly urge the locking pawl and a locking pin between a locked position wherein the locking pawl and the locking pin extend at least partially out of the housing and unlocked position wherein the locking pawl and the locking pin are retracted toward the housing relative to the locked position. The locking pawl may be positioned to prevent rotational movement of the steering shaft when in the locked position. The locking pin may be positioned to lock the actuator to a steering shaft interface when in the locked position.
Abstract:
A sensor (104b) includes a shaft (102b) and a magnetic sensor (205-1, 205-2) The shaft (102b) may have at least one active region (202- 1, 202-2). The magnetic sensor (205- 1, 205-2) may be configured to sense a magnetic field (B1,B2) about the shaft (102b), and may produce an output representative of torque applied to the shaft (102b), shaft (102b) rotational speed and shaft (102b) rotational position.
Abstract:
A sensor includes a shaft and a magnetic sensor. The shaft may have at least one magnetized active region. The magnetic sensor may be configured to sense a magnetic field about the shaft, and may provide an output representative of torque applied to the shaft, shaft rotational speed and shaft rotational position.