Patent ID: 6814200
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A clutch assembly comprising:an inner race, an outer race, and an engagement mechanism supported therebetween; said engagement mechanism including a plurality of pockets and a corresponding plurality of pawls, each pocket defining a leading end, a trailing end, a ledge formed proximate said trailing end and projecting toward said leading end of said pocket, and a ramp surface adjacent to said ledge; each of said pawls moveably supported in a corresponding pocket between an engaged position so as to provide torque translation between said inner and outer races in one rotational direction and a disengaged position so as to interrupt torque translation between said inner and outer races in the one rotational direction, each of said plurality of pawls including a cam surface that corresponds to said ledge on said pocket and that is supported by said ledge when said pawl is in a disengaged position; said ledge of said pocket acting to support said pawl so as to inhibit skewing as it is moved between said engaged and disengaged positions with said cam surface on each pawl adapted to slidingly move relative to said ledge and said ramp surface as said pawl is moved from said disengaged position to said engaged position.