Patent · US Expired

Locking differential with clutch activated by magnetorheological fluid

US6428441B1 · kind B1 · utility

27Cited by
9References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 28, 2000
Grant dateAug 6, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 3, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16H2048/346
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A limited slip differential includes a friction clutch mechanism, an electromagnetic coupling, and a camming mechanism disposed between the friction clutch mechanism and the electromagnetic coupling. The camming mechanism converts shearing forces within the electromagnetic coupling to an axial force applied to engage the clutch mechanism. The camming mechanism includes annular discs having axially inclined ramps, and a roller bearing for movement along the ramps to provide for variable spacing between the annular discs, wherein increased spacing is used to apply the axial force.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.