Patent ID: 8087502

Claim:
An actuator for shifting a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) between a plurality of operating modes, said actuator comprising: a first spring configured for being compressed along a first axis; wherein said first spring has a preload compression along said first axis equivalent to a first start pressure; a second spring disposed adjacent said first spring along said first axis and configured for being compressed along said first axis; wherein said second spring has a preload compression along said first axis equivalent to a second start pressure; a plunger movably disposed adjacent said first spring along said first axis such that said first spring is disposed between said plunger and said second spring; a slide plate movably extending from said plunger and configured for operatively engaging the SOWC such that the SOWC shifts between the plurality of operating modes in response to movement of said slide plate; wherein said first spring is configured for being compressed from beyond said preload compression to a first stop position as a pressure applied to said actuator is increased from said first start pressure to a first stop pressure such that said first spring is prevented from further compression along said first axis; wherein said second spring is configured for being compressed from beyond said respective preload compression to a second stop position as said pressure applied to said actuator is increased from said second start pressure to a second stop pressure such that said second spring is prevented from further compression along said first axis.