Patent ID: 9097299
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A bi-directional clutch, comprising: an inner member disposed about a first rotational axis; an outer member disposed about said first rotational axis radially outward of said inner member; a first pawl coupled to one of said inner and outer members, said first pawl having first and second ends and configured for rotation about a second rotational axis such that said first end of said first pawl moves between a first engagement position with a first pawl engagement surface in another of said inner and outer members, a second engagement position with a second pawl engagement surface in said another member, and a position of disengagement with said another member permitting relative rotation of said inner and outer members; a first pair of magnets disposed at said second end of said first pawl, each magnet of said first pair of magnets defining a pole adjacent said second end of said first pawl, said poles of said first pair of magnets having opposite polarity; and, an electromagnetic actuator configured to selectively generate a first electromagnetic field having a first polarity and a second electromagnetic field having a second polarity opposite said first polarity wherein said first electromagnetic field urges said first pawl away from said position of disengagement to said first engagement position to cause rotation of said another member in a first rotational direction and said second electromagnetic field urges said first pawl away from said position of disengagement to said second engagement position to cause rotation of said another member in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction.