Patent ID: 7717437
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
1. A stabilizer bar assembly for a vehicle having a pair of laterally-spaced wheels, the stabilizer bar assembly comprising: a first stabilizer bar adapted to be coupled to a first one of the pair of laterally-spaced wheels; a second stabilizer bar adapted to be coupled to a second one of the pair of laterally-spaced wheels; and a clutch assembly coupled to the first and second stabilizer bars, the clutch assembly operable in a first condition wherein the first and second stabilizer bars are permitted to rotate independently of one another and the clutch assembly operable in a second condition where the first and second stabilizer bars are coupled for rotation with one another; wherein the clutch includes a clutch housing, a first coupling flange, a second coupling flange, a coil assembly, a plurality of engagement pins and a spring, the clutch housing defining a cavity in which the first and second coupling flanges are disposed, the first coupling flange being coupled for rotation with the first stabilizer bar and defining a first set of pin apertures, the second coupling flange being coupled for rotation with the second stabilizer bar and defining a second set of pin apertures, the coil assembly including an annular coil and an armature, the annular coil being disposed concentrically about a rotational axis of the first stabilizer bar, the engagement pins being fixedly coupled to the armature for translation therewith, the engagement pins being received in the first set of pin apertures, the spring biasing the armature in a direction that facilitates engagement of the engagement pins in the second set of pin apertures to thereby inhibit relative rotation between the first and second stabilizer bars; and wherein the coil assembly may be selectively activated to move the armature to withdraw the engagement pins from the second set of pin apertures to thereby permit relative rotation between the first and second stabilizer bars.