Patent ID: 6488133
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
An electric clutch system comprising:a fixed field cup having an electromagnetic coil; a rotor mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein the rotor has a first friction surface and a pole face; a pulley mounted to independently rotate about the axis, wherein the pulley has a second friction surface; a discrete friction material secured to the pole face; and a helical spring attached to the pulley, wherein the helical spring is sized and positioned such that when current flows through the electromagnetic coil, the helical spring is drawn to the pole face and frictionally linked therewith, wherein the friction material facilitates the helical spring frictionally linking to the pole face, causing the helical spring to wrap down creating a frictional linking between the first and second friction surfaces to act as a clutch between the rotor and pulley.