Patent ID: 9068634
Filing Date: 2015-06-30
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A radially engaging system, comprising: a housing having at least one guide channel formed therein; at least one sliding member slidably disposed in a respective guide channel to reciprocate therein; a follower extending orthogonally from each sliding member; at least one rotator rotatably connected to the housing, the at least one rotator having at least one guide curve formed therein, the at least one guide curve being configured as an Archimedian spiral, the follower being received in the at least one guide curve and extending away from an axis of rotation of the rotator, the at least one guide curve defining a predefined travel distance for the at least one sliding member; and a rotating mechanism for selectively rotating the rotator to selectively extend or retract the at least one sliding member into and out of locking engagement with at least one mechanical component; wherein a rate of linear movement of the at least one sliding member is proportionately constant with a rate of rotation of the rotator; wherein the housing comprises an elongate, substantially hollow cylindrical housing; wherein the at least one sliding member comprises a plurality of sliding members spaced around the cylindrical housing; wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a plurality of sub-housings radially extending in different directions; each sub-housing consists of: one of the at least one guide channel extending orthogonally through the sub-housing; a pair of sliding members slidably received in the at least one guide channel; the at least one rotator disposed in the sub-housing, the at least one rotator having a pair of guide curves formed on one side to receive the followers of the pair of sliding members; and an integral bevel gear formed on the other side of the one of the at least one rotator, the bevel gear meshing with bevel gears of adjacent rotators.