Failsafe actuator
First Claim
1. A failsafe actuator for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition, said failsafe actuator comprising:
- a drive assembly configured to drive a plunger from a first plunger position to a second plunger position;
a stored energy element configured to drive said plunger from said second plunger position to said first plunger position upon said failure condition, said actuator driven element responsive to said plunger such that said actuator driven element is in said failsafe position when said plunger is in said first plunger position;
a sensor configured to indicate a relative position of said plunger; and
a latching mechanism configured to maintain said plunger in said second position, and wherein said latching mechanism is configured to be actuated in response to said indicated relative position of said plunger.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A failsafe actuator is provided for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition. The actuator includes a drive assembly for driving a plunger from a first plunger position to a second plunger position. The actuator additionally includes a stored energy element 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.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A failsafe actuator for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition, said failsafe actuator comprising:
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a drive assembly configured to drive a plunger from a first plunger position to a second plunger position; a stored energy element configured to drive said plunger from said second plunger position to said first plunger position upon said failure condition, said actuator driven element responsive to said plunger such that said actuator driven element is in said failsafe position when said plunger is in said first plunger position; a sensor configured to indicate a relative position of said plunger; and
a latching mechanism configured to maintain said plunger in said second position, and wherein said latching mechanism is configured to be actuated in response to said indicated relative position of said plunger. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A stabilizer bar system comprising:
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at least one stabilizer bar; a power source; an actuator receiving electrical power from said power source, said actuator comprising;
a drive assembly configured to drive said at least one stabilizer bar, said drive assembly comprising a plunger having at least a first plunger position, said at least one stabilizer bar responsive to said plunger such that said at least one stabilizer bar is in a failsafe position when said plunger is in said first plunger position; anda stored energy element configured to drive said plunger to said first plunger position, and hence said at least one stabilizer bar to said failsafe position, upon detection of a failure condition, wherein said drive assembly further comprises an electrically driven motor driving said plunger via a gear train. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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21. A failsafe actuator for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition, said failsafe actuator comprising:
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a drive assembly comprising an electric motor for driving a plunger via a gear train, and a stored energy element configured to drive said plunger from at least a second plunger position to a first plunger position upon said failure condition, said actuator driven element responsive to said plunger such that said actuator driven element is in said failsafe position when said plunger is in said first plunger position; a lost motion element associated with said plunger configured to allow said plunger to move between said first position and said at least second position when said driven element is blocked from moving; a direct indication sensor configured to sense the position of said driven element independently of said plunger; and a sensor configured to sense the relative position of said plunger. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification