The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 19, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 20, 1997
Dan J Showalter, Plymouth, MI (US);
T Mark Joslin, Howell, MI (US);
Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc., Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Abstract
A modulating clutch for disposition and use in a motor vehicle drive train includes a disc pack clutch assembly and clutch actuator. The clutch actuator includes an assembly for generating compressive force which is applied to the clutch pack assembly and a preload member which partially engages the clutch pack to provide torque transfer up to a predetermined level without activation of the clutch actuator. Activation of the clutch actuator increases the torque transfer or throughput above the predetermined level. The differential of the present invention thus functions passively as a limited slip differential by allowing torques in excess of the predetermined torque level to slip each axle relative to the driveline input thereby provide a constant, minimum level torque coupling between the driveline and each axle. When the clutch actuator is energized, it may be utilized to control torque transfer at levels above the predetermined level between the input and output of the clutch mechanism. The modulating clutch of the present invention has application in vehicle differentials.