Electrical activation of a viscous clutch

Details Electrical activation of a viscous clutch Electrical activation of a viscous clutch

2007-02-20

2007-02-20

Bonck, Rodney D. (Department: 3681)

192 clutches and power-stop control

Clutches

Fluent material

C192S08200T, C251S129060

Reexamination Certificate

active

10855131

ABSTRACT:
A system for controlling the engagement and disengagement of a viscous type coupling is accomplished by controlling the relative positioning of a spring loaded valve arm relative to a fluid port through the use of an electrically-activated, temperature-sensitive wire. The characteristics of wire are such that the wire is hard above a predetermined temperature, but soft and ductile below a predetermined temperature. When engagement or disengagement of the coupling is desired, electrical current is introduced through the wire, therein heating the wire above a predetermined temperature to harden the wire. This hardening causes the valve arm to either move to either cover or uncover a fluid port, depending upon the design arrangement of the valve arm relative to the fluid port. A controller coupled to a plurality of engine operating sensors and a power source controls the electrical activation as a function of a desired operating condition.

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