Variable capacitor with gear train end stop

摘要

An energy absorbing mechanical end stop for a high speed gear train that is used to drive a variable vacuum capacitor utilizes a friction plate that is mounted to a gear member of the high speed gear train as an energy absorbing mechanism. A wedge member is activated when the tuning of the variable vacuum capacitor approaches a limit and falls between the friction plate and the gear member to which the friction plate is attached. The friction between the friction plate and the wedge member brings the gear member to a stop without damaging the high speed gear train or the variable vacuum capacitor that is driven by the high speed gear train.