Patent ID: 7490707
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: F01P,F16D

Abstract:
1. A magnetic fan coupling comprising: a fan-drive subassembly having a drivable input member and an output member rotatably mounted substantially in said input member, said input member having a plurality of external fins for producing a flow of air that cools said magnetic fan coupling when said input member is driven to rotate and also rejecting heat from said magnetic fan coupling; a magnetic medium having an associated shear stress and disposed within a substantially closed and continuous work chamber defined between said input member and said output member; and an electromagnet subassembly having a stationary electromagnet coil for adjusting said shear stress of said magnetic medium and also regulating any torgue transferred between said input member and said output member; wherein said input member comprises (i) a pulley drivable by a belt engaged with a vehicle engine and (ii) a front-end structure rotatable via said pulley; wherein said front-end structure includes a body and a cover cooperatively defining said work chamber such that said magnetic medium and at least part of said output member are situated therein; wherein at least one of said body and said cover includes said plurality of external fins; and wherein said work chamber is offset from said stationary electromagnet coil along a longitudinal axis of said output member.