Patent ID: 6645108
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: B60K,F16D

Abstract:
In an automotive vehicle having primary and secondary wheels on primary and secondary axles, respectively, and a power unit that produces torque, the improvement comprising:a transfer unit including; an input connected to the power unit; a primary output coupled with the input such that no slippage occurs between them; a secondary output; and a torque bias coupling connecting the input with the secondary output and including a clutch and a planetary gear set coupled such that torque will transfer through the coupling in two paths, one a clutch path in which slippage occurs and the other a mechanical path in which no slippage occurs, with most of the torque passing though the mechanical path; and a controller which monitors the torque transmitted through the coupling and insures that slippage within the clutch of the clutch path does not produce a power dissipation which exceeds a prescribed limit.