Patent ID: 7240485
Filing Date: 2007-07-10
Classification: B62D,F16D

Abstract:
1. A power steering system for a vehicle comprising: a power steering gear; a hydraulic pump connected to said power steering gear; a fluid coupling interconnecting a drive shaft of an engine of the vehicle and said hydraulic pump; an electronic controller operable to provide a variable control signal based on received input; an amplifier operable to receive said variable control signal and to energize said fluid coupling in response to said variable control signal to vary torque transmitted via said fluid coupling; wherein said fluid coupling comprises an inner rotor operatively connected for rotation with said hydraulic pump; wherein said fluid coupling comprises an outer rotor spaced from said inner rotor and operatively connected for rotation with the engine; wherein said fluid coupling includes a coil electrically connected to said amplifier; wherein said fluid coupling includes a magnetically permeable core disposed about said coil such that said coil is embedded therein; and wherein said core and coil are disposed axially relative to said inner rotor and said outer rotor.