Patent ID: 6712728
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: B60K,F16D

Abstract:
A transfer case comprising:an input element; a first output element connected to the input element; a second output element; a clutch having first and second clutch members which are capable of rotating at different angular velocities, the clutch also including an electric coil located such that, when energized, it can magnetize particles located between the clutch members, the clutch having the capability of transferring torque between the clutch members when the members rotate at different angular velocities with the amount of torgue transferred being dependent on the current passing through the coil and independent of slippage between the clutch members, the first clutch member being connected to the input element; and a planetary gear set including first, second, third and fourth planetary elements organized about an axis, the first planetary element being connected to the second clutch member, the second planetary element being connected to the first clutch member, the third planetary element being connected to the second output element, and the fourth planetary element being located between first and third planetary elements.