Patent ID: 11746862

Abstract:
An actuator assembly includes a threaded shaft, a threaded nut that is threadably coupled to the threaded shaft, an annular ratchet positioned about the threaded shaft and comprising one or more tracks, and a pin that extends from the threaded shaft and into the one or more tracks. The threaded nut may include a first circumferentially-facing surface, the annular ratchet may include a second circumferentially-facing surface, and the first and second circumferentially-facing surfaces are configured to contact one another to enable the threaded nut to block rotation of the annular ratchet with the threaded shaft. The actuator assembly may enable the threaded nut to move to a limit position and hold full motor torque, but also to break free from the limit position with relatively low torque (e.g., less than the full motor torque; as compared to actuator systems that are devoid of certain features of the actuator assembly).