Power actuator with integral decoupling mechanism
View Patent ↗A device and method for manually controlling a system including a first lever movable between multiple positions and a movable component. The method including: activating a manual engagement device; engaging a manual control to couple a first lever and a movable component; disengaging an automatic control coupling the first lever and the movable component; and moving the movable component by moving the first lever.
1. A method for manually controlling a system comprising:
activating a manual engagement device;
engaging a manual control to couple a first lever and a movable component;
disengaging an automatic control coupling the first lever and the movable component, wherein the automatic control further comprises: a sensor for detecting a position of the first lever; a motor responsive to a signal from the sensor; and a coupling mechanism for transmitting rotation of the motor to the movable component; and
moving the movable component by moving the first lever.
2. The method for manually controlling a system according to claim 1 , wherein the manual engagement device is activated by applying a force.
3. The method for manually controlling a system according to claim 1 , wherein the manual engagement device is a button.
4. A method for manually controlling a system comprising:
activating a manual engagement device;
engaging a manual control to couple a first lever and a movable component;
disengaging an automatic control coupling the first lever and the movable component; and
moving the movable component by moving the first lever, wherein the manual control further comprises:
a connecting lever fastened to the first lever;
a manual engagement lever rotatably coupled to an end of the connecting lever and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the manual engagement lever is coupled to the movable component when in the second position; and
a manual engagement link rotatable between a third position and a fourth position such that rotation of the manual engagement link to the fourth position, causes the rotation of the manual engagement lever to a second position.
5. The method for manually controlling a system according to claim 4 , wherein activation of the manual engagement device rotates the manual engagement link to the fourth position.
6. The method for manually controlling a system according to claim 4 , wherein the manual engagement link includes a cam surface such that when the manual engagement link rotates to the fourth position, the cam surface disengages the automatic system.