The description relates to devices that include hinged portions and controlling rotation of the portions. One example can include a display that is configured to rotate relative to an axis. The example can also include a clutch assembly interposed between first and second planet gear assemblies positioned along the axis. The first and second planet gears configured to multiply resistance to rotation around the axis that is supplied by the clutch assembly.

A method for immobilizing a vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle. A drive train of the vehicle includes a clutch that includes a first clutch component and a second clutch component that are situated coaxially with respect to one another and configured to be rotatably fixedly connected to one another by mechanical contact in at least one predefined rotational direction. The method includes: detecting an input of a user for activating an immobilizer, and actuating an actuator as a function of the detected input, as the result of which the first clutch component and/or the second clutch component are/is displaced in the axial direction, as the result of which the mechanical contact between the first clutch component and the second clutch component is separated.

A method for immobilizing a vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle. A drive train of the vehicle includes a clutch that includes a first clutch component and a second clutch component that are situated coaxially with respect to one another and configured to be rotatably fixedly connected to one another by mechanical contact in at least one predefined rotational direction. The method includes: detecting an input of a user for activating an immobilizer, and actuating an actuator as a function of the detected input, as the result of which the first clutch component and/or the second clutch component are/is displaced in the axial direction, as the result of which the mechanical contact between the first clutch component and the second clutch component is separated.

Methods and systems are provided for operating a solenoid actuator to engage and/or disengage a torque transmission member of a vehicle transmission. In one example, a method may include increasing the holding force of the solenoid actuator. Additionally, the solenoid actuator may include a translatable structural element that creates a moment upon touching another structural element holding the translatable element in a locked position.

Methods and systems are provided for operating a solenoid actuator to engage and/or disengage a torque transmission member of a vehicle transmission. In one example, a method may include increasing the holding force of the solenoid actuator. Additionally, the solenoid actuator may include a translatable structural element that creates a moment upon touching another structural element holding the translatable element in a locked position.

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a surgical dissector. The surgical dissector can apply mechanical and/or electrosurgical energy to treated tissue.

A coupling and control assembly including a non-contact, linear inductive position sensor is provided. The assembly includes a coupling housing and a stator structure disposed within the coupling housing and including a stator housing. A translator structure is coupled to a coupling member of the assembly to rotate therewith about a rotational axis. The sensor is mounted on one of the housings. The translator structure includes a coupler element made of an electrically conductive material. The sensor is configured to create a magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive material. Movement of the coupler element changes a magnetic field caused by the eddy currents. The sensor provides a position feedback signal for vehicle transmission control. The signal is correlated with the linear position of the translator structure along the rotational axis.

A coupling and control assembly including a non-contact, linear inductive position sensor is provided. The assembly includes a coupling housing and a stator structure disposed within the coupling housing and including a stator housing. A translator structure is coupled to a coupling member of the assembly to rotate therewith about a rotational axis. The sensor is mounted on one of the housings. The translator structure includes a coupler element made of an electrically conductive material. The sensor is configured to create a magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive material. Movement of the coupler element changes a magnetic field caused by the eddy currents. The sensor provides a position feedback signal for vehicle transmission control. The signal is correlated with the linear position of the translator structure along the rotational axis.

A clutch mechanism for use in a rotary power tool having a motor comprises an input member to which torque from the motor is transferred and an output member movable between a first position in which the output member is engaged with the input member for co-rotation therewith, and a second position in which the output member is disengaged from the input member. The clutch mechanism further comprises a biasing member biasing the output member into the first position and an electromagnet which, when energized, moves the output member from the first position to the second position.

A clutch mechanism for use in a rotary power tool having a motor comprises an input member to which torque from the motor is transferred and an output member movable between a first position in which the output member is engaged with the input member for co-rotation therewith, and a second position in which the output member is disengaged from the input member. The clutch mechanism further comprises a biasing member biasing the output member into the first position and an electromagnet which, when energized, moves the output member from the first position to the second position.