Abstract:
A failsafe actuator is provided for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition. The actuator (102) includes a drive assembly (303) for driving a plunger (318) from a first plunger position to a second plunger position. The actuator additionally includes a stored energy element (509) for driving the plunger from the second plunger position to the first plunger position on the occurrence of the failure condition, wherein the actuator driven element is responsive to the plunger such that the actuator drive element is driven to the failsafe position when the plunger is driven to the first position.
Abstract:
A steering shaft lock actuator may include a motor having an output shaft, a drive train, and a lost motion device. The drive train may be coupled to the output shaft and may linearly urge a locking member to an unlocked position when the motor is energized. The lost motion device may be configured to store energy when the locking member is in the unlocked position and utilize the stored energy to drive the locking member toward a locked position with a steering shaft when the motor is de-energized.
Abstract:
A vehicle gear box shift actuator and apparatus including the same. The actuator includes a lead screw; a drive nut threaded on the lead screw; a plunger; a first spring disposed between the drive nut and a first end of the plunger; a second spring disposed between the drive nut and a second end of the plunger opposite from the first end.
Abstract:
An electrically actuated parking brake system and actuator (102) therefor. The actuator (102) includes a motor (200) having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train provides at least one mechanical output from the actuator (102). The gear train may include a drive gear (202) coupled to the drive shaft, a driven gear (204) coupled to the drive gear (202), and a planetary gear set (206) coupled to the driven gear (204). Various configurations are provided for isolating actuator components for controlling audible noise, including sub-frame isolation configurations, motor isolation configurations, and gear train isolation configurations.
Abstract:
A thermostat actuator is provided for controlling a flow rate of coolant through a cooling system. The actuator includes a motor and a drive train including an anti-back-drive mechanism. The actuator further includes an integral position feedback system that for indicating a position of an element of the actuator to ensure that the actuator has moved to a commanded position. The actuator is configured to be readily adaptable to different position feedback systems providing varying degrees of position feedback resolution.
Abstract:
A seat buckle sensor system is provided that provides an output representative of a lock condition of a seat belt buckle. The system includes a magnet on an end of a seat buckle lock pin and a Hall device. The lock pin, and magnet on the end thereof, move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the Hall device. The magnet imparts a first magnetic flux on the Hall device in the locked position causing the Hall device to produce a first output. The magnet imparts a second magnetic flux on the Hall device in the unlocked position causing the Hall device to produce a second output.
Abstract:
A non-contact position sensor including a plurality of sensor elements (112-120) configured in an array. Each of the sensor elements is configured to provide an output associated with each of a plurality of positions of a sensor control element ((102) relative to the position sensor (112-120), whereby a separate combination of the outputs is provided for each of the positions. In one embodiment, the sensor elements may be Hall effect sensors (112-120), and the sensor control element may be a magnet (102). In another embodiment, the sensor elements may be Hall effect sensors and the sensor control element may be a shunt (1502) for blocking a magnetic field to the Hall effect sensors (1516-1520). A vehicle seat position sensor system and a method of sensing vehicle seat position are also provided.
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 (101) including a motor (200) having a drive shaft (205), and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train includes a plurality of output gears (208, 210) and an associated plurality of output ports (209, 211, 213) for providing a mechanical output from the actuator (101). The gear train may be provided in a variety of configurations, and may include a worm gear (1702) and worm wheel (1704) 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 (117) of an adjustable pedal system (100a). 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 (2010) isolation configuration, are also provided.
Abstract:
A lever assembly. The assembly may include a lever, a shaft coupled to the lever for supporting pivotal movement of the lever, a magnet coupled to the lever, the magnet being configured to rotate upon pivotal movement of the lever, and magnetic field sensor positioned adjacent the magnet for providing an output representative to position of the lever.