Patent ID: 7445581
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: B60K,B60W,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A power transmission device comprising: a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a power source; a rotary output member adapted to provide drive torque to an output device; a torque transfer mechanism operable for transferring drive torque from said input member to said output member, said torque transfer mechanism including a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between said input member and said output member and a clutch actuator assembly for applying a clutch engagement force to said friction clutch assembly, wherein said input member is a drive shaft driven by a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, said output member is a pinion shaft driving a differential associated with an axle assembly of the motor vehicle, and wherein said friction clutch assembly is disposed between said drive shaft and said pinion shaft such that actuation of said clutch actuator assembly is operable to transfer drive torque from said drive shaft to said pinion shaft; and a control system operable to determine a desired torque to transfer to said rotary output member and control the position of said actuator applying force to said friction clutch assembly.