Patent ID: 8968108
Filing Date: 2015-03-03
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
1. A torsional spring and axial control device, comprising: a shaft having a plurality of planar shaft external longitudinal surfaces extending between a peripheral edge of a first shaft end and a peripheral edge of a second shaft end, wherein a cross sectional area of the first shaft end is smaller compared to a cross sectional area of the second shaft end and a cross sectional shape that gradually transitions in size between the first shaft end and the second shaft end, wherein each of the plurality of planar shaft external longitudinal surfaces is trapezoidal and equal in size and shape; a series of elongated elastomeric members, each elongated elastomeric member having a first elastomeric member end and a second elastomeric member end, wherein the first elastomeric member end has a smaller cross sectional area compared to a cross sectional area of the second elastomeric member end and a cross sectional shape of the elastomeric member that gradually transitions in size between the first elastomeric member end and the second elastomeric member end; and a tubular casing comprising a plurality of planar interior surfaces defining a casing interior, wherein adjacent edges of adjacent pairs of planar interior surfaces are joined along an angular transition, wherein the shaft is inserted within the casing interior and each of the series of elongated elastomeric members is positioned contacting one respective exterior planar shaft surface and a pair of adjacent interior planar casing surfaces, wherein a resulting central axis of each of the tapered elongated members is arranged to converge upon a central axis of the shaft, and wherein the series of elongated elastomeric members provides a resistive rotational spring force between the shaft and the casing.