Centrifugally disengaging multi-mode clutch module

A multi-mode clutch module (100), comprising:

• an inner race (120) rotatable relative to a secured outer race (112).
• two axially spaced sets of race-engaging pawls (130B, 130A) situated between the races (112, 120), a first set of pawls (130B) secured to the outer race (112) to prevent rotation of the inner race (120) in one rotational direction, and a second set of pawls (130A) secured to the inner race (120) to prevent rotation of the inner race (120) in an opposite rotational direction;
• an actuator cam ring (116) rotatable between two angular limits and configured to selectively release the first set of pawls (130B) from a normally spring-biased default engagement with the inner race (120);
• the second set of pawls (130A) secured to the inner race (120) in a normally spring-biased default engagement with the outer race (112) until the inner race (120) reaches a threshold rotational speed;
• wherein the second set of pawls (130A) secured to the inner race (120) is configured to overcome the spring-biased default engagement with the outer race (112) via centrifugal force, causing the second set of pawls (130A) to be released from the outer race (112) for reduction of parasitic drag within the clutch module (100);
• and
• wherein the first and second sets of pawls (1309, 130A) are configured to cooperatively secure the inner race (120) to the outer race (112) in locked, one-way, or unlocked operating modes.

A method of making a multi-mode clutch module (100), the method including the steps of:

• forming a secured outer race (112), and configuring an inner race (120) to be rotatable relative to the outer race (112);
• placing two separate and spaced sets of race-engaging pawls (130B, 130A) between the inner and outer races (120, 112);
• forming the first set of pawls (130B) to be secured to the outer race (112) to prevent rotation of the inner race (120) in one rotational direction, and a second set of pawls (130A) secured to the inner race (120) to prevent rotation of the inner race (120) in an opposite rotational direction;
• configuring an actuator cam ring (116) to be rotatable between two angular limits for selective release of the first set of pawls (130B) secured to the outer race from a normally spring-biased default engagement with the inner race (120);
• configuring the second set of pawls (130A) secured to the inner race (120) to have a normally spring-biased default engagement with the outer race (112) until the inner race (120) reaches a threshold rotational speed;
• wherein the second set of pawls (130A) secured to the inner race (120) overcomes the normally spring-biased default engagement with the outer race (112) by centrifugal force, causing the second set of pawls (130A) to he released from the outer race (112) for reduction of parasitic drag within the clutch module (100);
• and
• wherein the first and second sets of pawls (130B, 130A) are configured to cooperatively secure the inner race (120) to the outer race (112) in locked, one-way, or unlocked operating modes.