US 12,244,204 B2
Methods and apparatus for a flux-modulated permanent magnet clutch
Lokaditya Ryali, Albany, NY (US); Bugra H Ertas, Niskayuna, NY (US); and Adam Joseph Wangler, West Chester, OH (US)
Assigned to General Electric Company, Evendale, OH (US)
Filed by General Electric Company, Schenectady, NY (US)
Filed on May 11, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/316,048.
Prior Publication US 2024/0380300 A1, Nov. 14, 2024
Int. Cl. H02K 49/10 (2006.01); F04D 13/02 (2006.01); F04D 15/00 (2006.01); F04D 29/043 (2006.01)
CPC H02K 49/106 (2013.01) [F04D 13/024 (2013.01); F04D 15/0088 (2013.01); F04D 29/043 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A magnetic clutch apparatus comprising:
a spring;
an outer ring coupled to the spring, the outer ring including a first plurality of magnets;
an inner ring coupled to an output shaft, the inner ring including a second plurality of magnets, the outer ring to magnetically engage with the inner ring; and
an intermediate ring coupled to an input shaft, the intermediate ring disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, the intermediate ring including a ferrous metal, wherein, in a first position, the outer ring is in polar alignment with the inner ring and engages the magnetic clutch apparatus, and wherein, in a second position, the outer ring is out of polar alignment with the inner ring and disengages the magnetic clutch apparatus.