Abstract: A bi-stable clutch is introduced comprising an input and output shaft, a hub assembly attached to output shaft, a hub assembly attached to output shaft and operatively associated with a friction ring which rotates with output shaft of the unique bi-stable clutch. The input shaft is connected to a rotor which drives an armature plate to which the rotor is rotatably attached. The rotor and armature plate are forced apart when the clutch is engaged creating an air gap between the two large enough to not be overcome by the permanent magnet field attracting the armature plate due to a force caused by compression coil springs and the armature plate remains in contact with the rotor and the clutch remains engaged without continuous current transmitting torque from the input to the output shaft.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 23, 1996
Date of Patent:
April 14, 1998
Assignee:
Electroid Co.,A Division of Valcor Engineering Corp.