System and method for hydraulic transformer clutches
OwnerHoria Abaitancei, Christopher Thomasinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hydraulic transformer clutch enables controlled power transfer from an outer race to an output shaft. The outer race is driven by a rolling element and generates spin against its own axis. The rolling element is in contact with a rotating lever, which can rotate against a pin. A boss keeps the rolling element in contact with the rotating lever. The rotating lever is actuated by a piston via a contact surface. During the actuation process, the rotating lever wedges the rolling element, creating a rigid connection between the outer race and the output shaft. This connection, and resulting engagement of the outer race and the output shaft, is maintained as long as the piston is actuated.
Claims20
A hydraulic transformer clutch enables controlled power transfer from an input element to an output element, the hydraulic transformer clutch comprising:
- an output shaft;
- an outer race driven by a rolling element that generates spin against its own axis;
- a rolling element in contact with a rotating lever, wherein the rotating lever is rotatable against a pin;
- and
- a boss that maintains the rolling element in contact with the rotating lever, wherein the rotating lever is actuated by a piston via a contact surface,
- wherein, during the actuation process, the rotating lever wedges the rolling element, between the outer race and the output shaft creating a rigid connection that enables controlled power transfer, and wherein the rigid connection is maintained as long as the piston is actuated.
A hydraulic transformer clutch enables controlled power transfer from an input element to an output element, the hydraulic transformer clutch comprising:
- an output shaft;
- an outer race driven by a rolling element that generates spin against its own axis;
- a rolling element in contact with a rotating lever, wherein the rotating lever is rotatable against a pin;
- a boss that maintains the rolling element in contact with the rotating lever, wherein the rotating lever is actuated by an engagement piston via a contact surface,
- wherein, during the actuation process, the rotating lever wedges the rolling element, between the outer race and the output shaft creating a rigid connection that enables controlled power transfer, and wherein the rigid connection is maintained as long as the engagement piston is actuated;
- an actuating piston that is hydraulic actuated inside a cylinder using hydraulic fluid;
- and
- a hydraulic cylinder that provides actuation fluid for the actuating piston, via a piston and a latching solenoid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.