American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

Paul W Kornosky

James Preston Downs

John Clinton Hibbler

Jeffrey Lee Kincaid

Chris Phelps

Paul Joseph Valente

Thomas Christopher Bowen

Charles G Stuart

Robert J DeGowske

Christopher D Pump

Shawn S Proctor

Adrian M Lenczewski

Brian McCormick

Firoz Ali S Jafri

A torque transfer device can include a housing and a clutch. The housing can define a clutch cavity and a pocket. The pocket can be formed at an axial end of the clutch cavity and have a generally arcuate shape that extends circumferentially about the clutch cavity above a static lubrication level. The clutch can include an outer carrier, an inner carrier, a plurality of first and second interleaved friction plates. One of an outer and an inner plate carrier of the clutch can be coupled to an input member for common rotation. The other of the carriers can be coupled to a differential case for common rotation. Rotation of the outer carrier relative to the housing through a fluid in the clutch cavity can sling a portion of the fluid toward an inner surface of the housing to cause the portion of the fluid to collect in the pocket.

Optimized outer clutch housing for reduced spin loss, improved oil flow and improved clutch durability

The present teachings provide for a power transmitting component including a housing, a clutch, a vent, and a dam. The vent can fluidly couple a first and second cavity. The dam can include a door member. Rotation of the outer carrier through a fluid in the second cavity can sling a portion of the fluid toward the vent to cause the portion of the fluid to be transferred from the second cavity, through the vent, and to the first cavity. When the piston is in a first position, the door member can be in a closed position to limit fluid flow from the first cavity to the second cavity. When the piston is in a second position, the door member can be in an open position to allow fluid to flow from the first cavity to the second cavity.

Power transmitting component with torque transfer device configured with drag reduction system

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Auburn Hills, MI, United States of America

Paul W Kornosky