A switchable linear actuator device to control the operating mode of first and second non-friction coupling assemblies, the device having a plurality of magnetic sources which produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a plurality of net translational forces, the device comprising:
- a first locking member pivotable between an uncoupling position and a coupling position characterized by abutting engagement with a first load bearing shoulder of the first coupling assembly;
- a second locking member pivotable between an uncoupling position and a coupling position characterized by abutting engagement with a second load bearing shoulder of the first coupling assembly;
- a third locking member pivotable between an uncoupling position and a coupling position characterized by abutting engagement with a first load bearing shoulder of the second coupling assembly;
- a stator structure including a first electromagnetic source configured to create a first electronically switched magnetic field, a second electromagnetic source configured to create a second electronically switched magnetic field and a third electromagnetic source configured to create a third electronically switch magnetic field;
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- a translator structure including a first cam having a contour surface, a second cam having a contour surface, a third cam having a contour surface and a magnetically-latching, permanent magnetic source magnetically coupled to the stator structure across a radial air gap, the translator structure being supported for translational movement relative to the stator structure in first and second opposite directions along an axis between a plurality of predefined, discrete, axial positions which correspond to different operating modes of the coupling assemblies, the translator structure translating along the axis in the first direction between first and second axial positions upon experiencing a first net translational force to cause the first locking member to ride on the contour surface of the first cam to cause the first locking member to pivot between its coupling and uncoupling positions which correspond to first and second operating modes of the first coupling assembly, the translator structure translating in the first direction along the axis between the second axial position and a third axial position upon experiencing a second net translational force to cause the second locking member to ride on the contour surface of the second cam to cause the second locking member to pivot between its coupling and uncoupling positions which correspond to second and third operating modes of the first coupling assembly, the translator structure translating along the axis in the second direction between the first axial position and a fourth axial position upon experiencing a third net translational force to cause the third locking member to ride on the contour surface of the third cam to cause the third locking member to pivot between its coupling and uncoupling positions which correspond to different operating modes of the second coupling assembly, the third net translational force comprising a third translational force caused by energization of the third electromagnetic source and a third magnetic latch force based on a third linear position of the permanent magnet source along the axis, the first net translational force comprising a first translational force caused by energization of the first electromagnetic source and a first magnetic latching force based on a first linear position of the permanent magnet source along the axis and the second net translational force comprising a second translational force caused by energization of the second electromagnetic source and a second magnetic latching force based on a second linear position of the permanent magnet source along the axis.