Patent ID: 7493996
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A rotational coupling device, comprising: a rotor coupled to an input shaft for rotation therewith, said input shaft disposed about a rotational axis, said rotor defining axially extending, radially spaced inner and outer poles; a field shell disposed about said input shaft and fixed against rotation, said field shell defining axially extending, radially spaced inner and outer poles an electrical conductor disposed within said field shell between said inner and outer poles of said field shell on a first side of said rotor; a brake plate coupled to said field shell; and, an armature disposed axially between said rotor and said brake plate on a second side of said rotor opposite said conductor, said armature coupled to an output member wherein said inner pole of said rotor is disposed radially outward of said inner pole of said field shell further comprising a bearing disposed about said input shaft and supporting said field shell wherein energization of said conductor causes magnetic flux to travel radially inwardly of said bearing along a first path from said rotor to said field shell.