Patent ID: 6364074
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A mechanical device for controlling changeover between two modes of relative displacement between two objects as a function of a time profile of the relative displacement, the mechanical device comprising:two assemblies capable of moving in guided relative translation, one assembly being fixed, and the other assembly moving; resilient control means interposed between the two assemblies with a controlled clearance defined between said resilient control means and at least one of said two assemblies to define the two modes of relative displacement; and an inertial mass associated with one of the assemblies and adapted to act selectively on the control means as a function of the time profile of relative displacement in order to modify the clearance and to change between the two modes of relative displacement, wherein the resilient control means are dimensioned to operate by buckling upon the application of a force which occurs when the relative displacement of the two assemblies increases, and wherein the resilient control means are dimensioned so that in a first mode of relative displacement said controlled clearance existing between said resilient control means and at least one of said two assemblies allows a free displacement of the moving assembly in regards to the fixed one, while in the second mode of relative displacement as a result of deformation of the resilient control means by the inertial mass, said controlled clearance is cancelled so that the displacement of said other moving assembly is damped.