Clutch assemblies and associated methods

Abstract

Clutch assemblies and associated methods are disclosed herein. In an example, a clutch assembly comprise a first terminal, a second terminal, a clutch body enclosing a torque transfer fluid, and one or more electropermanent magnets (EPMs), each configured to generate a respective EPM magnetic field. The clutch assembly is configured to transmit a torque between the first terminal and the second terminal with a torque capacity that is at least partially based on the EPM magnetic fields. In an example, a method of operating a clutch assembly comprises transitioning each of one or more EPMs to a fully depolarized state, a fully polarized state, or an intermediate polarization state. In an example, a method of operating a clutch assembly comprises controlling each of one or more EPMs of the clutch assembly to vary a total EPM magnetic flux generated by the one or more EPMs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.