Electromagnetic selectable wedge clutch

A wedge clutch, comprising:

• an outer race;
• a first inner race;
• a first wedge plate:
• radially disposed between the first inner race and the outer race;
• including:
• a first circumferential end;
• and,
• a second circumferential end;
• and,
• discontinuous between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end;
• and,
• a first electromagnetic actuator including:
• a coil;
• a first coil core piece including:
• a first end disposed within the coil;
• and,
• a second end fixedly connected to the first circumferential end of the first wedge plate;
• and,
• a second coil core piece including:
• a first end disposed within the coil;
• and,
• a second end fixedly connected to the second circumferential end of the first wedge plate, wherein:
• in a first locked mode of the wedge clutch, the first inner race, the first wedge plate, and the outer race are non-rotatably connected for rotation of the first inner race in a first circumferential direction;
• in a first free-wheel mode of the wedge clutch, the first inner race is rotatable, with respect to the outer race, in the first circumferential direction;
• and,
• to transition from the first locked mode to the first free-wheel mode, the first electromagnetic actuator is arranged to be energized to:
• displace the first end of the first coil core piece and the first end of the second coil core piece toward each other;
• and,
• radially contract the first wedge plate.

A wedge clutch, comprising:

• an outer race;
• an inner race;
• a wedge plate radially disposed between the inner race and the outer race;
• and,
• an electromagnetic actuator including:
• a coil;
• a first coil core piece including:
• a first end disposed within the coil;
• and,
• a second end fixedly connected to the wedge plate;
• and,
• a second coil core piece including:
• a third end disposed within the coil;
• and,
• a fourth end fixedly connected to the wedge plate, wherein:
• in a locked mode of the wedge clutch, the inner race, the wedge plate, and the outer race are non-rotatably connected;
• in a free-wheel mode of the wedge clutch, the inner race is rotatable with respect to the outer race;
• and,
• to transition from the locked mode to the free-wheel mode, the electromagnetic actuator is arranged to be energized to:
• bring the first end and the third end toward each other in a first circumferential direction;
• and,
• radially contract the wedge plate.