Reluctance torque coupler

A reluctance torque coupler for transmitting torque between first and second shafts, comprising:

• an inner rotor for generating a high strength magnetic field, including a solid cylindrical diametrically magnetized high strength magnet, a retaining sleeve of high strength, non-metallic material mounted about said magnet, one end of said retaining sleeve being secured for rotation to said first shaft, and non-magnetic end plate means, attached to an opposite end of said retaining sleeve, for covering and containing said magnet within said retaining sleeve;
• and
• an outer rotor for providing at least one pair of isolated, magnetically easy flux paths for said magnetic field and for changing the magnetic circuit energy and flux within said magnet of said inner rotor with relative rotation of said outer rotor with respect to said inner rotor, said outer rotor including a non-magnetic frame disposed about said inner rotor and secured for rotation with said second shaft, and a plurality of ferromagnetic flux conductors for providing said easy flux paths, said flux conductors being mounted to said frame to extend radially towards said inner rotor means, said flux conductors spanning a majority of the arcuate distance between opposite magnetic poles of said magnet, said flux poles being circumferentially discontinuous, whereby said flux conductors define spaces.