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 lift lever coupled to the deflector lever, the lift lever having a fixed fulcrum between a first end and a second end of the lift lever, the second end of the lift lever being operationally connected to the deflector lever;
a cam device coterminous with the first end of the lift lever, wherein the cam device comprises a cam located adjacent to the first end of the lift lever and a cam follower connected to the first end of the lift 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;
wherein the juxtaposition point changes relative to the deflector lever.
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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.
142 Citations
9 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 lift lever coupled to the deflector lever, the lift lever having a fixed fulcrum between a first end and a second end of the lift lever, the second end of the lift lever being operationally connected to the deflector lever; a cam device coterminous with the first end of the lift lever, wherein the cam device comprises a cam located adjacent to the first end of the lift lever and a cam follower connected to the first end of the lift 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; wherein the juxtaposition point changes relative to the deflector lever. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification