Coupling system and method for a vehicle

摘要

A coupling system and method for a powered component on a vehicle includes a powered component, a rotating member mechanically driven by an engine on the vehicle and a radial coupling between the powered component and the rotating member for mechanically powering the powered component.

主权项

1. A coupling system for a powered component on a vehicle, comprising:
an engine disposed on the vehicle; a rotating member mechanically driven by the engine; a powered component disposed on the vehicle; and a radial coupling having an engaged state and a disengaged state, the radial coupling mechanically coupling the rotating member and the powered component when in the engaged state and decoupling the rotating member and the powered component when in the disengaged state, wherein the radial coupling includes at least one shoe radially movable between an engaged position corresponding to the engaged state wherein the at least one shoe is coupled to the rotating member for corotation therewith and a disengaged position corresponding to the disengaged state wherein the at least one shoe is decoupled from the rotating member, wherein the at least one shoe includes two diametrically opposite shoes that are urged radially outward into respective engaged positions with the rotating member by at least one spring, the at least one spring including a compression spring with a first end secured to a first of the two shoes and a second end secured to the second of the two shoes, the compression spring urging the two shoes apart from one another and into radially engagement with the rotating member.