Unitized wedge clutch

A unitized wedge clutch comprising:

• a first race defining a circumferential groove with a first angled surface and a second angled surface;
• a second race having a first ramp surface extending radially outward in a circumferential direction;
• a wedge segment arranged in a radial space between the first race and the second race, the wedge segment having
• a third angled surface aligned with the first angled surface,
• a fourth angled surface aligned with the second angled surface,
• a second ramp surface aligned with the first ramp surface, and
• a first aperture;
• and
• a first side plate having a first protrusion extending through the first aperture wherein the first side plate is formed from plastic and the first protrusion is snap-fit into the first aperture.

A method of assembling a unitized wedge clutch comprising:

• positioning a plurality of wedge segments relative to a first race such that angled surfaces of the wedge segment engage a groove in the first race to axially retain the wedge segments relative to the first race;
• inserting a first side plate such that protrusions of the side plate extend through respective apertures of each of the wedge segments;
• attaching a second race to the first side plate such that ramped surfaces of the second race align with respective ramped surfaces of the wedge segments;
• and
• staking the first side plate to the second race.