System and method for hydraulic transformer clutches

A hydraulic transformer clutch employing hydraulic piston assemblies with integrated electrohydraulic actuation, the hydraulic transformer clutch comprising:

• an output shaft;
• an output disc affixed to the output shaft for rotation therewith;
• an input shaft;
• a rotatable housing affixed to one of the input shaft or the output shaft for rotation therewith;
• a plurality of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected to the rotatable housing, the hydraulic cylinders spaced about the rotatable housing, wherein each hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders is positioned at a substantially constant offset angle relative to radial directions of the input shaft and the output shaft;
• and
• a plurality of working pistons, each piston of the plurality of working pistons being slidably mounted within a corresponding hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders, each piston of the plurality of working pistons positioned to be selectively pushed, when actuated, to create a rigid connection between the input shaft and the output shaft;
• wherein one or more actuator pistons are pushed by an electromagnet and create pressure that is distributed on working piston surfaces and generates active torque.