TheArens Q15 Series control mechanism has five main elements: a primary input lever, an actuating or output lever, two "scissor" locking shoe assemblies, and a stationary quadrant. The function of the assembly is to allow unrestricted movement through the use of the input lever while preventing any movement by forces acting through the output lever.
A force applied in either direction at the output lever creates a binding or "shear" action on the hardened steel quadrant between the gripping shoes at points depending on the direction of the force. The binding action results from a slight rotation of the shoe assemblies about the pivot, due to the pressure exerted on the shoes by the output lever. This creates an irreversible lock in both directions, which effectively resists all forces acting on the output lever.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Maximum operating load on output | 100 in/lbs |
| Maximum self-locking capacity | 200 in/lbs |
| Input lost motion* | 1° |
| Output lost motion With no load |
0.5° |
| Input torque | 1.2 x output torque |
| Free running torque | 20 in/lbs |
| * The Q15 Series requires input lever lost most motion of approximately 1/2° (or 0.010 inch at the adjustment screws) per side for positive locking. Adjustment may be required after an initial break-in period and, in some applications, throughout the unit's life. | |
