Patent ID: 6412618
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A differential device of the type including an input shaft adapted to receive input torque from a source of torque, an output shaft adapted to provide driving torque to an output device, a clutch pack including at least a first friction disc adapted to rotate with the input shaft and at least a second friction disc adapted to rotate with the output shaft, and a cam ramp actuator adapted to move the friction discs between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the actuator including first and second ramp plates and a plurality of cam members operably disposed between the first and second ramp plates, and in engagement with respective first and second ramp surfaces, the second ramp plate being disposed axially adjacent the friction discs and being operable to move the friction discs toward the engaged position,the differential device further comprising a particle clutch including an input coupling member for connecting to the input shaft, and an output coupling member connected to the first ramp plate, the input coupling member and the output coupling member defining a gap therebetween, the gap being filled with a magnetically-reactive medium, and the particle clutch further including a source of magnetic flux; and wherein the particle clutch is configured to operate with either a magnetically reactive powder or a magnetorheological fluid as the magnetically reactive medium.