Patent ID: 10473170

Abstract:
An automatic transmission multi-mode clutch module (10, 100) may include either two concentric (30B, 30A) or two axially (130B, 130A) spaced sets of pawls (30B, 130B, 30A, 130A) nested between a pair of inner (20, 120) and outer races (12, 112). A first set of pawls (30B, 130B) is secured to the outer race (12, 112), and may be selectively released from a normally spring-biased default engagement with the inner race (20, 120) by an actuator cam ring (16, 116) rotatable between two angular limits. A second set of pawls (30A, 130A) is secured to the inner race (20, 120), and is released from a normally spring-biased default engagement with the outer race (12, 112) whenever the inner race (20, 120) reaches a threshold rotational speed, at which centrifugal forces acting on the inner set of pawls (30A, 130A) overcome the default spring bias to disengage the pawls (30A, 130A) from the outer race (12, 112). In either the concentric or the axial arrangement, the two sets of pawls (30B, 130B, 30A, 130A) are configured to secure two clutch module races (12, 112, 20, 120) together in either locked, one-way, or unlocked operating modes.