Limited slip differential having magnetorheological fluid brake
US6527661B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/346
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A limited slip differential including a rotatable casing, a pair of axle shafts including respective ends, a pair of side gears rotatably fixed to the ends of the axle shafts, at least one pinion gear attached to the casing and meshingly engaged with the pair of side gears, a brake assembly defining a brake chamber and including first and second brake elements disposed within the brake chamber, the first brake element superposed with the second brake element, the first brake element rotatably fixed relative to the casing, a quantity of magnetorheological fluid disposed within the brake chamber, the first and second brake elements in contact with the magnetorheological fluid, and a selectively energized source of magnetic flux, the magnetorheological fluid being exposed to the flux when the source is energized. When the magnetorheological fluid is exposed to the magnetic flux, the magnetorheological fluid is at least partially solidified and the first and second brake elements are coupled to each other through the magnetorheological fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.