Patent Description:
However, the use of such connectors results in line loss in the power or data that is transmitted through these connectors. In some applications, such line loss is unacceptable for the functionality of the system. In such situations, instead of using a connector, a cable can be used between moving parts which twists along with the relative rotation between parts of an assembly. Of course, a cable has a limit to how much it can twist or rotate without being damaged. Thus, when using a cable between moving parts, it is important that the cable is not twisted past its mechanical limits. In addition, the rotation of the parts that rotate relative to one another should be limited so as to prevent any components that are operable with the relative rotating parts from rotating into fixed objects or other components within the assembly. Thus, there is a need to provide a way to prevent rotational over travel of a cable while still allowing the moving parts to rotate sufficiently in accordance with the needs of a given application.

<CIT> discloses a limit device for limiting an operation stroke of an electric actuator or the like. This document discloses a rotational over travel protection device, comprising: a housing; a rotatable shaft connected to the housing, the rotatable shaft and the housing being operable to rotate relative to one another;a triggering device supported in the housing and rotatable with the rotatable shaft through at least some rotational degrees of the rotatable shaft; the triggering device comprising an annular side wall having an exterior surface; a first rotational limit switch disposed in the housing and operable to be activated by the exterior surface of the triggering device to arrest rotation of the rotatable shaft upon relative rotation of the rotatable shaft and the housing in a first rotation direction greater than <NUM> degrees from a zero position; and a second rotational limit switch disposed in the housing and operable to be activated by the exterior surface of the triggering device to arrest rotation of the rotatable shaft upon relative rotation of the rotatable shaft and the housing in a second rotation direction greater than <NUM> degrees from the zero position, the second rotation direction being opposite the first rotation direction.

<CIT> discloses a zero reference rotation sense indicator.

<CIT> discloses an angle limit method and device.

Features and advantages of the disclosed technology will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the disclosed technology; and, wherein:.

It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the exemplary embodiments is thereby intended.

An initial overview of the inventive concepts are provided below and then specific examples are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the examples more quickly, but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the examples, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The invention relates to a rotational over travel protection device according to claim <NUM> and to a method for providing rotational over travel protection for an object according to claim <NUM>.

In one example, the present disclosure sets forth a rotational over travel protection device for preventing over rotation of an object, such as a cable, supported by the rotational over travel protection device, as well as preventing any components operable with (e.g., supported by, driven by) the shaft from over rotating such that they rotate into other components within the assembly incorporating the rotational over travel protection device, or into any fixed objects in the vicinity of the assembly. The rotational over travel protection device comprises a housing and rotatable shaft connected to the housing. The rotatable shaft and the housing are operable to rotate relative to one another. The rotational over travel protection device further comprises a triggering device supported in the housing. The triggering device is rotatable with the rotatable shaft through at least some rotational degrees of the rotatable shaft the triggering device comprising an annular side wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface comprises a pawl operable to engage with a protrusion disposed on the rotatable shaft.

The rotational over travel protection device further comprises a first rotational limit switch disposed in the housing. The first rotation limit switch is operable to be activated by the exterior surface of the triggering device to arrest rotation of the rotatable shaft upon relative rotation of the rotatable shaft and the housing in a first rotation direction greater than <NUM> degrees from a zero position. The rotational over travel protection device can also comprise a second rotational limit switch disposed in the housing. The second rotational limit switch is operable to be activated by the exterior surface of the triggering device to arrest rotation of the rotatable shaft upon relative rotation of the rotatable shaft and the housing in a second rotation direction greater than <NUM> degrees from the zero position where the second rotation direction is opposite the first rotation direction.

In one example, the first and second rotational limit switches and the triggering device are supported in a common plane. The triggering device comprises a pawl operable to engage with a protrusion disposed on the rotatable shaft. The protrusion can engage the pawl after the shaft rotates substantially <NUM> degrees from the zero position in both the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction.

In some examples, the rotational over travel protection device can comprise a biasing member that biases (e.g., returns) the pawl in a neutral position when the pawl is not engaged with the protrusion. The biasing member can be a rotational spring interfaced with the triggering device.

In some examples, the triggering device can comprise a cam surface, and the first and second rotational limit switches can each comprise a cam follower. The triggering device can activate the first and second rotational limit switches upon the cam surface engaging the cam follower.

In some examples, which are not part of the invention, the shaft can be associated with a first gear, and the triggering device comprise a second gear interfacing with the first gear. The triggering device can comprise first and second stops that interface with the first and second rotational limit switches. The first and second rotational limit switches can comprise face plungers.

The first rotational limit switch can be disposed coplanar with the rotational plane of the triggering device. The second rotational limit switch can also be disposed coplanar with the rotational plane of the triggering device.

The triggering device can activate the first rotational limit switch to arrest rotation of the rotatable shaft upon a rotation of the rotatable shaft of greater than <NUM> degrees in a first rotation direction from a zero position relative to the housing. The exterior surface of the triggering device can also activate the second rotational limit switch to arrest rotation of the rotatable shaft upon a rotation of the rotatable shaft of greater than <NUM> degrees in a second rotation direction from the zero position relative to the housing, where the second rotation direction is opposite the first rotation direction.

The protrusion can engage the pawl after the shaft rotates <NUM> degrees from the zero position in both the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction. Upon engagement of the protrusion of the shaft with the pawl of the triggering device, the triggering device rotates with the shaft.

In some examples, the rotational over travel protection device can comprise a biasing member that biases the pawl in a neutral position when the pawl is not engaged with the protrusion. The biasing member can be a rotational spring interfaced with the triggering device and the housing.

In some examples, the triggering device can comprise a cam surface, and the first and second rotational limit switches can each comprise a cam follower. The triggering device can activate the first and second rotational limit switches with the cam surface engaging the cam follower.

In some examples, which are not part of the invention, the shaft can be associated (e.g., integrated) with a first gear, and the triggering device can comprise a second gear interfacing with the first gear. The triggering device can comprise first and second stops that interface with the first and second rotational limit switches, which in some examples, can comprise face plungers.

According to the invention, a method accoding to claim <NUM> for providing rotational over travel protection for preventing over rotation of an object, such as a cable and/or any components operable with (e.g., supported by, driven by) the rotational over travel protection device is provided. The method comprises rotating a shaft relative to a housing in a first direction at least <NUM> degrees from a zero position to engage a protrusion disposed on the rotatable shaft with a pawl on an interior surface of an annular side wall of a triggering device, rotating the triggering device to activate a first rotational limit switch with an exterior surface of the triggering device to arrest further rotation of the shaft relative to the housing in the first direction at a predetermined rotational position, rotating the shaft relative to the housing in a second direction at least <NUM> degrees from the zero position to engage the protrusion disposed on the rotatable shaft with the pawl on the interior surface on the annular side wall of the triggering device, and rotating the triggering device to activate a second rotational limit switch with the exterior surface of the triggering device to arrest further rotation of the shaft relative to the housing in the second direction at a predetermined rotational position, wherein the triggering device, the first rotational limit switch, and the second rotational limit switch are supported in a common plane.

In some examples, the first and second rotational limit switches are activated by a cam follower on the first and second rotational limit switches interfacing with a cam surface of the triggering device.

In some examples, which are not part of the invention, the shaft is associated with a first gear, and the triggering device is associated with a second gear interfacing with the first gear.

To further describe the present technology, examples are now provided with reference to the figures. With reference to <FIG>, a rotational over travel protection device <NUM> is provided. The rotational over travel protection device <NUM> is operable to prevent the over rotation of an object, such as an object supported by, about, within, or otherwise operable with the rotational over travel protection device <NUM>. In one example, the object can comprise a cable <NUM>, such as a fiber optic cable, supported by the rotational over travel protection device <NUM>. In one example, the cable <NUM> can be supported via a connector or connector assembly supported within the rotational over travel protection device <NUM>. The connector or connector assembly can be supported by the housing <NUM>, wherein the cable <NUM> is routed through the shaft <NUM> and connected to the connector or connector assembly via a mating connector on the cable <NUM>. In another example, the object can comprise one or more components operable with (e.g., supported by, driven by) the rotational over travel protection device <NUM> (e.g., the shaft as discussed below), wherein the rotational over travel protection device <NUM> can operate to prevent such components from rotating into any fixed object or into any other objects that might be in the vicinity of the rotational over travel protection device <NUM>, or into any other components within an assembly incorporating the rotational over travel protection device <NUM>. The rotational over travel protection device <NUM> comprises two components that rotate relative to one another and that support the cable <NUM> and/or rotating components. The cable <NUM> extends from one component to the other which causes the cable <NUM> to twist with the rotation of the two components. As shown in <FIG>, the rotational over travel protection device <NUM> comprises components that rotate relative to one another in the form of a shaft <NUM> that is rotatable relative to a housing <NUM>. Although not shown, one or more components can be coupled or otherwise supported by the shaft <NUM>, so as to be driven (i.e., rotated) by the shaft <NUM> upon actuated rotation of the shaft <NUM>.

The shaft <NUM> and the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG> are exemplary of two parts that rotate relative to one another as part of the rotational over travel protection device <NUM>. However, those skilled in the art will recognize other rotatable parts that can be used as part of the rotational over travel protection device <NUM>, and therefore the shaft <NUM> and housing <NUM> are not intended to be limiting in any way. For example, the rotational over travel protection device <NUM> can be used to limit rotation of a rotating pedestal, a turn table, a rotatable display, or any others. Regardless of the form, the shaft <NUM> is rotatable relative to the housing <NUM> which causes twist in the cable <NUM>, and any components driven by the shaft <NUM> to be rotated.

With reference to <FIG>, the shaft <NUM> interfaces with the housing <NUM> and is rotatable relative to the housing <NUM>. Within the housing <NUM> is an upper spring mount <NUM>, a rotational spring <NUM>, and a lower spring mount <NUM>. The upper spring mount <NUM>, rotational spring <NUM>, and lower spring mount <NUM> collectively defining a triggering device <NUM> operable to activate over rotation protection, as will be described in more detail below. The upper spring mount <NUM> and lower spring mount <NUM> together house the rotational spring <NUM>. The rotational spring <NUM> comprises one or more protruding ends <NUM> that are configured to interface with the housing <NUM> to secure a position of the rotational spring <NUM>. The interfacing of the rotational spring <NUM> with the housing <NUM> is provided to bias the triggering device <NUM> into a neutral position. The rotational spring <NUM> is just one example of a biasing member used to bias the triggering device <NUM> into a neutral position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other biasing members or mechanisms can also be used, such as other types of springs.

The lower spring mount <NUM> includes an annular side wall <NUM>. The annular side wall <NUM> comprises a raised cam surface <NUM> on an exterior surface of the annular side wall <NUM>. The raised cam surface <NUM> is operable to facilitate activation of the rotational over travel protection device <NUM> to provide over rotation protection, as will be described in more detail below. The annular side wall <NUM> further comprises a pawl <NUM> on an interior surface of the annular side wall <NUM>. The pawl <NUM> is sized and configured to interface with the shaft <NUM> to cause rotation of the triggering device <NUM> when the protrusion <NUM> engages with the shaft <NUM>.

The rotational over travel protection device <NUM> further comprises a washer <NUM>, snap ring <NUM>, and cable management member <NUM> that are disposed in and supported by the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is closed via an O-ring <NUM> and a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can be connected to the housing <NUM> and can compress the O-ring <NUM> via fasteners <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, described is the operation of the rotational over travel protection device of <FIG> to provide over rotation protection, and a method for providing rotational over travel protection for preventing over rotation of a cable and/or any components being driven that are associated with the rotational over travel protection device. The shaft <NUM> comprises a protrusion <NUM> disposed on an outer surface of the shaft <NUM>. In <FIG>, the protrusion <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> are shown in a zero position or a reference position relative to the housing <NUM>. In the zero or reference position, a cable (such as cable <NUM> shown in <FIG>) that extends from the housing <NUM> to the shaft <NUM> is in a neutral or an untwisted state. Likewise, in <FIG>, the triggering device <NUM> is biased by a biasing member (such as rotational spring <NUM> shown in <FIG>) in a neutral position. In this example, the neutral position of the pawl <NUM> of the triggering device <NUM> is disposed approximately <NUM> degrees from the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> at the zero position. Or in other words, the neutral position of the pawl <NUM> of the triggering device <NUM> is located on an opposite side of the shaft <NUM> from the protrusion <NUM> when the shaft <NUM> is in the zero position.

Because the pawl <NUM> of the triggering device <NUM> is located <NUM> degrees from the zero position of the protrusion <NUM>, the shaft <NUM> can rotate relative to the housing <NUM> substantially or approximately <NUM> degrees in each direction prior the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> engaging with the pawl <NUM> of the triggering device <NUM>. In other words, the shaft <NUM> rotates without engaging the triggering device <NUM> over at least some rotational range or degrees. Upon further and sufficient rotation of the shaft <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft can engage the pawl <NUM>, wherein the triggering device <NUM> is caused to simultaneously rotate with the shaft <NUM> through an additional range of rotation. In other words, the triggering device <NUM> rotates with the shaft <NUM> over at least some of the rotational range or degrees of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. Rotation of the triggering device <NUM> with the shaft <NUM> to one or more pre-determined rotational degrees from its neutral position functions to facilitate the arrest of further rotation of the shaft <NUM>, thus preventing over rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. As indicated herein, over rotation protection can be for the purpose of protecting over rotation of the cable <NUM> to prevent damage or degraded performance of the cable <NUM>. In another aspect, this can be for the purpose of limiting the rotation of one or more components coupled or otherwise supported and driven by the shaft <NUM> so that the one or more components are prevented from rotating into other fixed components in an assembly incorporating the rotational over travel protection device, or to one or more components in the vicinity of the assembly. Preventing over rotation of a cable is discussed primarily herein, but this merely to illustrate one exemplary application where over rotation between two structures is to be limited.

When the shaft <NUM> rotates relative to the housing <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> also rotates from the zero position. In this example, the shaft <NUM> can rotate in either direction from the zero position. The shaft <NUM> can be rotated by a motor, for example. The motor controlling the speed and position of the rotation of the shaft <NUM> can be operated by a controller based on a user input, control instructions such as software, or the like.

The rotational over travel protection device further comprises a first pair of rotational limit switches 134a, 134b and a second pair of rotational limit switches 136a, 136b. Each of the first pair of rotational limit switches 134a, 134b comprises a cam follower (or cam follower surface) (see cam followers 135a, 135b, respectively) that can be sized and configured to activate the first pair of rotational limit switches 134a, 134b. Similarly, each of the second pair of rotational limit switches 136a, 136b comprises a cam follower (see cam followers 137a, 137b, respectively) sized and configured to activate the second pair of rotational limit switches 136a, 136b.

The first and second pairs of rotational limit switches 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b are operable to limit rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> to prevent over travel of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. This prevents over rotation of a cable extending from the shaft <NUM> to the housing <NUM> (or over rotation of one or more components supported and driven by the shaft <NUM>). Activation of the switches 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b can limit rotation by sending overriding control signals or instructions to a motor to stop or reverse rotation, by cutting power to a motor, by applying a brake, or through other control, electronic, or mechanical techniques.

In this example, the first and second pairs of rotational limit switches 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b provide primary and redundant mechanisms to ensure over travel of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> is prevented. For example, the first pair of rotational limit switches 134a 134b can include an initial limit switch 134a (or a first limit switch in the first pair of limit switches) and a final limit switch 134b (or a second switch in the first pair of limit switches). The initial limit switch 134a can be operable to send overriding control instructions to a motor to stop rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, for example. In the event that the initial limit switch 134a fails to stop the relative rotation of the shaft <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, the final limit switch 134b can be operable to cut power to the motor to ensure no further rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, for example.

Likewise, the second rotational limit switches 136a 136b can include an initial limit switch 136a (a first limit switch in the second pair of limit switches) and a final limit switch 136b (a second limit switch in the second pair of limit switches). The initial limit switch 136a can be operable to send control instructions to a motor to stop rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, for example. In the event that the initial limit switch 136a fails to stop the relative rotation of the shaft <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, the final limit switch 136b can be operable to cut power to the motor to ensure no further rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, for example. The redundant final or second rotational limit switch in each of the first and second pairs of rotational limit switches can be referred to as a backup rotational limit switch.

While the above example shows the two pairs of rotational limit switches 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b, other examples can exclude the redundancy and only include one of the first pair of rotational limit switches 134a, 134b and one of the second pair of rotational limit switches 136a, 136b, depending on the requirements for a given application. In other examples, the pairs of rotational limit switches 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b, can be used for different purposes. For example the initial limit switches 134a, 136a can be used to limit a rotational speed of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, and the final limit switches 134b, 136b can arrest any further rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

Advantageously, the triggering device <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, and the first and second rotational limit switches 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b can all be supported in the same plane. In this example, the plane can be defined by the rotational plane in which the triggering device <NUM> rotates. This allows the packaging and/or size of the rotational over travel protection device to remain small. At the same time, the rotational over travel protection device <NUM> allows for rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing to be greater than <NUM> degrees in each direction from the zero position. Thus, the rotational over travel protection device can be both compact and allow a wide range of rotational movement.

As shown in <FIG>, the shaft <NUM> can rotate relative to the housing <NUM>. In this example, the shaft <NUM> is shown to have rotated clockwise <NUM> degrees from the zero position (as shown in <FIG>). As is shown with this exemplary number of degrees of rotation of the shaft <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> is engaged with the pawl <NUM> of the triggering device <NUM>, wherein the triggering device <NUM> is caused to rotate with the shaft <NUM> from its neutral position as shown in <FIG>. That is, the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> rotates independently until it has rotated <NUM> degrees, at which point it engages with the pawl <NUM> of the triggering device <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> and triggering device <NUM> then rotate together as the shaft <NUM> rotates past <NUM> degrees from the zero position.

In this example, when the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> reaches <NUM> degrees, the cam surface <NUM> of the triggering device <NUM> engages with the cam follower 137a of the initial rotational limit switch 136a. This activates the initial rotational limit switch 136a to prevent further rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, such as by sending an overriding control instruction to a motor to stop further clockwise rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

While not explicitly shown, the shaft <NUM> can also rotate counter-clockwise from the zero position, such that the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> engages with the pawl <NUM> to rotate the triggering device <NUM> until the cam surface <NUM> engages the cam follower 135a of the initial rotational limit switch 134a (also located at <NUM> degrees in this example) to prevent further rotation in the counter-clockwise direction.

When the shaft <NUM> returns back to an angle that is less than <NUM> degrees from the zero position, the triggering device <NUM> disengages from the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> and is biased back to its neutral position. The shaft <NUM> can be further rotated to the position in <FIG> to place the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> in the zero position with the pawl <NUM> again oriented <NUM> degrees from the protrusion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. The triggering device <NUM> is biased to this position via a biasing member of the triggering device <NUM> (such as via the rotational spring <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

In this example using redundant rotational limit switches, in the event that the activation of either of the initial limit switches 134a, 136a fails, further rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> in the respective directions to engage these, can trigger the activation of the final limit switches 134b, 136b. As shown in <FIG>, assuming the failure of the first or initial rotational limit switch 136a, the protrusion <NUM> has rotated clockwise past <NUM> degrees from the zero position to a position approximately <NUM> degrees. With the triggering device <NUM> simultaneously moving with the rotating shaft <NUM> due to the interface between the protrusion <NUM> and the pawl <NUM>, further rotation in the same direction causes the cam surface <NUM> of the triggering device <NUM> to engage with the cam follower 137b of the final rotational limit switch 136b to activate the final rotational limit switch 136b. In one example, activation of the final rotational limit switch 136b can result in electrical power being cut off to the motor, and/or can cause a brake to be applied to the shaft <NUM>, such that further rotation of the shaft <NUM> in the clockwise direction is prevented.

Likewise, though not explicitly shown, if the protrusion <NUM> has rotated counter-clockwise past <NUM> degrees from the zero position, assuming failure of the rotational limit switch 134a, the final rotational limit switch 134b (in this example being located at <NUM> degrees) can be activated via the cam surface <NUM> of the triggering device <NUM>.

Thus, in the above example, the rotational over travel protection device <NUM> can prevent the over rotation of a cable extending from the shaft <NUM> to the housing <NUM> (and/or over rotation of one or more components supported and driven by the shaft <NUM>). The rotational over travel protection device <NUM> can further be compact while simultaneously allowing rotation greater than <NUM> degrees in each direction from a zero position.

Other variations are also contemplated. For example, in applications where there are less significant space constraints, the initial rotational limit switches 134a, 134b can be offset in a different plane from the final rotational limit switches 136a, 136b, and the triggering device <NUM> can rotate on an inclined plane or screw. This can potentially allow for greater than <NUM> degree rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> if mechanical constraints of the cable (and/or supported components) allow.

Further, while the triggering device <NUM> and the rotational limit switches 134a, 136a are shown to limit rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> to <NUM> degrees from a zero position, other rotational limits (i.e., other limited rotational degrees of rotation) larger or smaller than these can be set based on the needs of a given application, such as the mechanical limits of a particular cable, or due to space constraints of one or more components supported and driven by the shaft <NUM> relative to one or more other components, such as fixed components within an assembly.

Another example of a rotational over travel protection device, which is not part of the invention, is shown with respect to <FIG>. In <FIG>, a rotational over travel protection device <NUM> comprises a shaft <NUM> that is rotatable with respect to a housing <NUM> in a similar manner as discussed above. In this example, the shaft <NUM> is associated (e.g., integrated) with a first gear <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> can be sized and configured to interface with a triggering device <NUM> that comprises a second gear <NUM>. The triggering device <NUM> comprises a first stop <NUM> and a second stop <NUM> that are operable to activate a first rotation limit switch <NUM> and a second rotational limit switch <NUM>, respectively. In this example, the first and second stops <NUM>, <NUM> interface with respective plungers <NUM>, <NUM> disposed on the first and second rotation limit switches <NUM>, <NUM>. The plungers <NUM>, <NUM> activate the first and second rotational limit switches <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, which can provide a similar function similar to the rotational limit switches discussed above to prevent further rotation of the shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

The relative size of the first gear <NUM> with the second gear <NUM>, and the placement of the stops <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the first and second rotational limit switches <NUM>, <NUM> can be determined based on the desired limits of rotation of the shaft <NUM> from a zero position. The gear reduction between the first gear <NUM> and second gear <NUM> can allow for rotation of the shaft <NUM> of greater than <NUM> degrees in each direction from a zero position. Further, in the example shown in <FIG>, the first gear <NUM>, the triggering device <NUM>, and the first and second rotational limit switches <NUM>, <NUM> are advantageously located on or otherwise supported in a common plane, allowing the rotational over travel protection device <NUM> to remain compact.

Reference was made to the examples illustrated in the drawings and specific language was used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the technology is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the features illustrated herein and additional applications of the examples as illustrated herein are to be considered within the scope of the description.

Although the disclosure may not expressly disclose that some embodiments or features described herein may be combined with other embodiments or features described herein, this disclosure should be read to describe any such combinations that would be practicable by one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as they fall under the scope of the appended claims. The use of "or" in this disclosure should be understood to mean non-exclusive or, i.e., "and/or," unless otherwise indicated herein.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the preceding description, numerous specific details were provided, such as examples of various configurations to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the described technology. It will be recognized, however, that the technology may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, devices, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the technology.

Claim 1:
A rotational over travel protection device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a rotatable shaft (<NUM>) connected to the housing (<NUM>), the rotatable shaft (<NUM>) and the housing (<NUM>) being operable to rotate relative to one another;
a triggering device (<NUM>) supported in the housing (<NUM>) and rotatable with the rotatable shaft (<NUM>) through at least some rotational degrees of the rotatable shaft (<NUM>), the triggering device (<NUM>) comprising an annular side wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface wherein the interior surface comprises a pawl (<NUM>) operable to engage with a protrusion (<NUM>) disposed on the rotatable shaft (<NUM>);
a first rotational limit switch disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and operable to be activated by the exterior surface of the triggering device (<NUM>) to arrest rotation of the rotatable shaft (<NUM>) upon relative rotation of the rotatable shaft (<NUM>) and the housing (<NUM>) in a first rotation direction greater than <NUM> degrees from a zero position; and
a second rotational limit switch disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and operable to be activated by the exterior surface of the triggering device (<NUM>) to arrest rotation of the rotatable shaft (<NUM>) upon relative rotation of the rotatable shaft (<NUM>) and the housing (<NUM>) in a second rotation direction greater than <NUM> degrees from the zero position, the second rotation direction being opposite the first rotation direction.