US Patent 12000437 Cone clutch system including independent friction member

In one example, a cone clutch assembly including an inner cone member rotationally coupled to a first shaft, the inner cone member defining a first friction surface; an outer cone member rotationally coupled to a second shaft, the outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface; and an independent friction member positioned between the inner and the outer cone member. The inner cone member and outer cone member are configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged from each other. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages one surface of the friction member, and the second friction surface of the outer cone member engages another surface of the friction member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner and outer cone member via the friction member.