NZ761528A - Tuning of a kinematic relationship between members - Google Patents

Abstract

A device comprising: a first member in a kinematic relationship with a second member to form a system, the system moving within a limited range of motion and wherein the system interacts when an external energising force is imposed on the system causing the first and second members to respond due to their kinematic and dynamic characteristics and thereby creating relative motion between the first and second members; a pawl coupled to the first member said pawl moving with respect to the first member in response to a pre-determined system movement and, when the pawl moves, the pawl or a part thereof interacts with the second member, and wherein the pawl and second member comprise one or more magnets or one or more conductive members so that, as relative motion occurs between the pawl and second member, a first eddy current braking force associated with a first eddy current braking action is induced between the pawl and second member that slows relative movement between the first member and second member; and, wherein the speed and/or intensity of the first eddy current braking action imposed by the pawl on the system or a member or members thereof is controlled by the pawl rate of movement with respect to the first member and, this rate of movement is in turn governed by a second eddy current braking action induced between the pawl or a part thereof and the first member or a part thereof, a second eddy current force associated with the second eddy current braking action resisting movement of the pawl with respect to the first member.