Abstract: An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may include a first engagement member (31) and a second engagement member (15) that is in operation with the first engagement member (31). A working chamber (33) is disposed between and at least partially defined by the first engagement member (31) and the second engagement member (15). The working chamber (33) has an inlet port (118) and an outlet port (120). A fluid reservoir (35) is fluidically-coupled to the working chamber (33). A scavenge valve (11) is coupled between the working chamber (33) and the fluid reservoir (35) and adjusts the fluid flow through the outlet port (120). An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may in addition to or alternatively include a working chamber (33) that includes a working chamber inlet port (118) that is along an outer perimeter (126) of the first engagement member (31).

Abstract: An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may include a first engagement member (31) and a second engagement member (15) that is in operation with the first engagement member (31). A working chamber (33) is disposed between and at least partially defined by the first engagement member (31) and the second engagement member (15). The working chamber (33) has an inlet port (118) and an outlet port (120). A fluid reservoir (35) is fluidically-coupled to the working chamber (33). A scavenge valve (11) is coupled between the working chamber (33) and the fluid reservoir (35) and adjusts the fluid flow through the outlet port (120). An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may in addition to or alternatively include a working chamber (33) that includes a working chamber inlet port (118) that is along an outer perimeter (126) of the first engagement member (31).

Abstract: A speed monitoring system (6) for a fluid-coupling device (10) includes a hub (44) and a ring magnet (220). The hub (44) rotates at a first speed that is proportional to an input clutch speed of a fluidically engageable input member. The ring magnet (220) rotates at a second speed that is proportional to an output clutch speed of a fluidically engageable output member. A magnetic sensor (232) generates a differential speed signal of the ring magnet (220) relative to the first speed. A controller (54) generates an actual speed signal indicative of the second speed in response to said differential speed signal.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley, a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. Enhanced cooling can be provided with breather openings in the pulley, breather slots in the body member, and fins in the reservoir.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An integrated slip speed sensor is provided in order to determine the output speed.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley, a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member, and anti-drainback check valve.

Abstract: A speed monitoring system (6) for a fluid-coupling device (10) includes a hub (44) and a ring magnet (220). The hub (44) rotates at a first speed that is proportional to an input clutch speed of a fluidically engageable input member. The ring magnet (220) rotates at a second speed that is proportional to an output clutch speed of a fluidically engageable output member. A magnetic sensor (232) generates a differential speed signal of the ring magnet (220) relative to the first speed. A controller (54) generates an actual speed signal indicative of the second speed in response to said differential speed signal.

Abstract: An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may include a first engagement member (31) and a second engagement member (15) that is in operation with the first engagement member (31). A working chamber (33) is disposed between and at least partially defined by the first engagement member (31) and the second engagement member (15). The working chamber (33) has an inlet port (118) and an outlet port (120). A fluid reservoir (35) is fluidically-coupled to the working chamber (33). A scavenge valve (11) is coupled between the working chamber (33) and the fluid reservoir (35) and adjusts the fluid flow through the outlet port (120). An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may in addition to or alternatively include a working chamber (33) that includes a working chamber inlet port (118) that is along an outer perimeter (126) of the first engagement member (31).

Abstract: A magnetorheological fan coupling (10) having a fan-drive subassembly (12), an electromagnet subassembly (14), and a magnetic medium (16). The fan-drive subassembly (12) includes an output member (22) and an input member (20) rotatably mounted around the output member (22) with the magnetic medium (16) therebetween. The magnetic medium (16) has a shear stress that can be adjusted by a magnetic flux (24) for transferring torque between the input member (20) and the output member (22). The electromagnet subassembly (14) includes a stationary electromagnet coil (62) for adjusting the shear stress of the magnetic medium (16) and regulating a torque transferred between the input member (20) and the output member (22).

Abstract: A magnetorheological fan coupling (10) having a fan-drive subassembly (12), an electromagnet subassembly (14), and a magnetic medium (16). The fan-drive subassembly (12) includes an output member (22) and an input member (20) rotatably mounted around the output member (22) with the magnetic medium (16) therebetween. The magnetic medium (16) has a shear stress that can be adjusted by a magnetic flux (24) for transferring torque between the input member (20) and the output member (22). The electromagnet subassembly (14) includes a stationary electromagnet coil (62) for adjusting the shear stress of the magnetic medium (16) and regulating a torque transferred between the input member (20) and the output member (22).

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley, a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. Enhanced cooling can be provided with breather openings in the pulley, breather slots in the body member, and fins in the reservoir.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fan coupling (10) having an inverted construction with an input member (18) rotatably mounted to an output member (20). The input member (18) defines a fluid chamber (50) with the output member (20) rotating therein and a magnetic medium (52) between the output member (20) and the input member (18). The coupling (10) further includes an electromagnet subassembly (14) actuated by a controller (82) for adjusting the shear stress of the magnetic medium (52) and regulating the amount of torque transferred from the input member (18) to the output member (20).

Abstract: An electronically-controlled fluid coupling device having a front mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The fluid coupling device combines an inverted viscous clutch, drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator package. In this arrangement, the electrical portion of the split electromagnetic actuator is not physically attached to the fan drive, but is instead mounted to a stationary member. The remaining actuator components are integral to the fan drive and are composed of only mechanical parts. The inverted clutch arrangement having remote electronic control allows three output modes: engaged, partially engaged, or disengaged.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled fluid coupling device having a front mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The fluid coupling device combines an inverted viscous clutch, drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator package. In this arrangement, the electrical portion of the split electromagnetic actuator is not physically attached to the fan drive, but is instead mounted to a stationary member. The remaining actuator components are integral to the fan drive and are composed of only mechanical parts. The inverted clutch arrangement having remote electronic control allows three output modes: engaged, partially engaged, or disengaged.

Abstract: A controllable viscous clutch that is integral to a water pump. The pump impeller is part of the output member of the clutch while the input is composed of a central drive shaft (attached to a pulley) and a clutch plate. A bimetallic control element located internally within the output member of a viscous type water pump to control the flow rate of engine coolent to an engine. The bimetallic control element reacts directly to sensed engine coolant temperature to control the amount of viscous fluid entering or exiting an operating chamber of the viscous type water pump. This enables the water pump to deliver low coolant flow during cold engine conditions and higher flow once the engine exceeds a predetermined temperature. This provides faster engine warm-up resulting in improved occupant comfort, fuel economy, and decreased tailpipe emissions.