System and methods for a clutch system based on an axially slidable sleeve and radially translatable key

A clutch engagement system of a transmission system, comprising:

• a sleeve that is axially movable;
• a first output disk at a first position;
• a second output disk at a second position, and
• a radially translatable key extending from the sleeve and configured to individually engage with each of the first output disk and the second output disk, wherein the sleeve, the first output disk, and the second output disk are coaxial, and the second output disk circumferentially surrounds the sleeve, and the first output disk circumferentially surrounds both of the second output disk and the sleeve.

A clutch engagement system of a transmission system, comprising:

• a sleeve that is axially movable;
• a first output disk at a first position;
• a second output disk at a second position, and
• a radially translatable key extending from the sleeve and configured to individually engage with each of the first output disk and the second output disk, wherein the sleeve is provided with a grooved portion and an end portion comprising two or more external cavities and internal teeth arranged to mesh with a rotating member of the transmission system and each external cavity comprises a first section with a square or rectangular cross section and a second section with a circular cross section, the first section and the second section being contiguous.

A method for operating a clutch, comprising:

• receiving output from sensors that indicate a rotational speed difference between a sleeve and a first output disk is within a rotational speed difference threshold, a rotational speed of the first output disk and the sleeve being nearly the same;
• axially sliding the sleeve of the clutch from a neutral position to a first position via an actuator;
• rotating the sleeve at the first position to enable a key to encounter an internal cavity of the first output disk and extend into the internal cavity of the first output disk;
• axially sliding the sleeve of the clutch from the first position to the neutral position;
• receiving output from sensors that indicate the rotational speed difference between the sleeve and a second output disk is within a threshold, the rotational speed of the second output disk and the sleeve being nearly the same;
• axially sliding the sleeve of the clutch from the neutral position to a second position via the actuator;
• and
• rotating the sleeve at the second position to enable the key to encounter an internal cavity of the second output disk and extend into the internal cavity of the second output disk.