Patent ID: 7445102
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. An aircraft engine starter having a centerline of rotation and comprising: a) a torque transfer connection adapted to be coupled to the aircraft engine; b) a starter motor; c) a clutch assembly coupled to one of the starter motor or the torque transfer connection, the clutch assembly formed a radial distance from the centerline of rotation, the clutch assembly comprising a notch plate rotationally coupled to one of the starter motor or the torque transfer connection, a strut pocket plate rotationally coupled to the other of the starter motor or the torque transfer connection, an inter-plate space defined between the notch plate and the strut pocket plate, at least one spring having first and second ends, the first end bearing against the strut pocket plate, and at least one strut having first and second ends, the first end bearing against the strut pocket plate and the second end free to move toward the notch plate; d) an oil reservoir formed within the aircraft engine starter and having an oil supply within, the oil reservoir formed a radial distance from the centerline greater than the radial distance of the clutch assembly from the centerline of rotation; and e) a pitot pump coupled to one or both of the notch plate or strut pocket plate and positioned within the oil reservoir, the pitot pump configured to deliver oil under pressure to the inter-plate space through one or more holes in either the strut pocket plate or the notch plate or both, the oil under pressure in the inter-plate space creating an axially directed force tending to separate the strut pocket plate and the notch plate.