Patent ID: 6745881
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A clutch assembly (10) comprising:an inner race (12), an outer race (14), and an engagement mechanism (16) disposed between said inner race (12) and said outer race (14), said engagement mechanism (16) operable to move between a disengaged position wherein said inner and outer races may freely rotate in one direction relative to one another and an engaged position wherein said inner and outer races are locked so as to translate torque therebetween in the opposite rotational direction; said inner race (12) defined by a plurality of plates (18) and layers of elastomer (20) disposed between said plates in laminated fashion, said inner race (12) further including at least one bearing surface through which a force may be translated, said bearing surface defined by a plurality of offset plates (70) wherein each one of said plurality of plates (70) is offset relative to an adjacent one of said plurality of plates (18) by a predetermined distance, said elastomeric layer (20) allowing movement of said offset plates (70) in the direction of a force acting on said bearing surface such that said offset plates (70) and elastomeric layers (20) act to absorb energy and dampen noise and vibration when said bearing surface is subjected to a force.