Deflector assembly
First Claim
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1. A system comprising:
- an actuator belt;
a deflector for deflecting the actuator belt;
a deflector lever coupled to the deflector;
a time-variable lever lifter coupled to the deflector lever;
a repositionable deflector rest juxtaposed, in operation, with the deflector lever at a juxtaposition point;
wherein, in operation, the juxtaposition point changes during an increasing deflection period, wherein the deflector deflects an actuator belt that moves the load to a degree that is at least partially dependent upon the position of the juxtaposition point during at least a portion of the increasing deflection period.
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Abstract
A technique for deflecting an actuator belt includes applying a variable deflection force to the actuator belt. The technique may be used to construct actuators for active orthotics, robotics or other applications. Versions with passive clutches may also be used to construct variable-ratio motor gearheads, or may be scaled up to build continuously variable transmissions for automobiles, bicycles, or other vehicles.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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an actuator belt;
a deflector for deflecting the actuator belt;
a deflector lever coupled to the deflector;
a time-variable lever lifter coupled to the deflector lever;
a repositionable deflector rest juxtaposed, in operation, with the deflector lever at a juxtaposition point;
wherein, in operation, the juxtaposition point changes during an increasing deflection period, wherein the deflector deflects an actuator belt that moves the load to a degree that is at least partially dependent upon the position of the juxtaposition point during at least a portion of the increasing deflection period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An actuator belt deflector device, comprising:
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a driver fixed to a base;
a first plate coupled to the driver at a rotation point;
a second plate coupled to the first plate at a first pivot point having some radial distance from the rotation point;
a rocker arm fixed to the base at a first end and fixed to the second plate at a second end at a second pivot point;
a deflector, coupled to the second plate, for deflecting an actuator belt;
wherein, in operation, the driver rotates the first plate in a first direction, causing the second plate to pivot around the first pivot point and rock back and forth around the second pivot point, thereby causing the deflector to cyclically deflect the actuator belt to varying degrees over time. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A system comprising:
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a first means for deflecting an actuator belt that moves a load to a degree that is at least partially dependent upon a juxtaposition point of the actuator belt with the means for deflecting the actuator belt during at least a portion of an increasing deflection period;
a second means for changing a juxtaposition point of the actuator belt during the increasing deflection period. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification