A clutch mechanism for use in a rotary power tool having a motor comprises an input member to which torque from the motor is transferred and an output member movable between a first position in which the output member is engaged with the input member for co-rotation therewith, and a second position in which the output member is disengaged from the input member. The clutch mechanism further comprises a biasing member biasing the output member into the first position and an electromagnet which, when energized, moves the output member from the first position to the second position.

A clutch mechanism for use in a rotary power tool having a motor comprises an input member to which torque from the motor is transferred and an output member movable between a first position in which the output member is engaged with the input member for co-rotation therewith, and a second position in which the output member is disengaged from the input member. The clutch mechanism further comprises a biasing member biasing the output member into the first position and an electromagnet which, when energized, moves the output member from the first position to the second position.

An electric drive for a vehicle implements a disconnect feature to reduce parasitic losses when the electric drive is not necessary for propulsion. The disconnect feature utilizes a slipper clutch which is disengaged by holding a slipper ring in a predefined circumferential position relative to an outer ring using a set of pins that move radially. A lever spring biases the pins to the outward radial position. A solenoid moves a plunger axially which pushes the pins radially inward.

An electric drive for a vehicle implements a disconnect feature to reduce parasitic losses when the electric drive is not necessary for propulsion. The disconnect feature utilizes a slipper clutch which is disengaged by holding a slipper ring in a predefined circumferential position relative to an outer ring using a set of pins that move radially. A lever spring biases the pins to the outward radial position. A solenoid moves a plunger axially which pushes the pins radially inward.

Some embodiments of a fan clutch system for use in a vehicle can provide efficient access to one or more components for inspection and service even after the fan clutch system is installed in the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the fan clutch system can include a fan clutch device and a coil retainer assembly that are removably mounted to a right-angle gear box assembly in a manner that permits a technician to accessing at least one component for inspection, repair, or replacement. The coil retainer assembly may at least partially house an electromagnetic coil for selective activation. The system may further include a fan clutch device removably mounted to the drive member of the gear box assembly.

A magnetic brake assembly for use with a wheel rim is described. The brake assembly includes a rotor secured to rotate with the rim and a stator secured to be rotationally stationary relative to the rotor. One of the rotor and stator has an electrically conductive body and the other of the rotor and stator has a magnetic array including a plurality of magnets configured to generate a magnetic flux. An actuator is connected to at least one of the electrically conductive body and magnetic array to selectively effect a brake mode and a non-brake mode. In the brake mode, the magnetic array induces eddy currents in the electrically conductive body to generate a magnetic braking force when the rim rotates above a threshold speed and in the non-brake mode, the induced eddy currents cause a negligible or no magnetic braking force as the rim rotates above the threshold speed.

A rotational coupling device drives an output synchronous with either of two inputs. The device includes a hub disposed about an axis and an output member supported on the hub for rotation about the axis. First and second input members disposed about the hub are configured to rotate in first and second rotational directions and at first and second speeds, respectively, with at least one of the directions and speeds differing. A clutch member is disposed axially between the input members and coupled to the output member. An electromagnet is on an opposite side of the second input member relative to the clutch member. When the electromagnet is deenergized, the clutch member engages the first input member and the output member rotates with the first input member. When the electromagnet is energized, the clutch member engages the second input member and the output member rotates with the second input member.

A rotational coupling device drives an output synchronous with either of two inputs. The device includes a hub disposed about an axis and an output member supported on the hub for rotation about the axis. First and second input members disposed about the hub are configured to rotate in first and second rotational directions and at first and second speeds, respectively, with at least one of the directions and speeds differing. A clutch member is disposed axially between the input members and coupled to the output member. An electromagnet is on an opposite side of the second input member relative to the clutch member. When the electromagnet is deenergized, the clutch member engages the first input member and the output member rotates with the first input member. When the electromagnet is energized, the clutch member engages the second input member and the output member rotates with the second input member.

A joint assembly and clutch assembly for use in a vehicle. The joint assembly includes a first joint member that is drivingly connected to a second joint member by using one or more third joint members. A first shaft is drivingly connected to the first joint member. The clutch assembly includes a first clutch member, a second clutch member, and an actuation assembly that is operably configures to selectively drive the second clutch member into engagement with the first clutch member of the clutch assembly. The actuation assembly utilizes an amount of rotational force that is transmitted from the first shaft in order to transition the second clutch member into engagement with the first clutch member. At least a portion of a second shaft is drivingly connected to the second clutch member.

A joint assembly and clutch assembly for use in a vehicle. The joint assembly includes a first joint member that is drivingly connected to a second joint member by using one or more third joint members. A first shaft is drivingly connected to the first joint member. The clutch assembly includes a first clutch member, a second clutch member, and an actuation assembly that is operably configures to selectively drive the second clutch member into engagement with the first clutch member of the clutch assembly. The actuation assembly utilizes an amount of rotational force that is transmitted from the first shaft in order to transition the second clutch member into engagement with the first clutch member. At least a portion of a second shaft is drivingly connected to the second clutch member.