Electromagnetically-Actuated Direction-Sensing Roller Clutch

Abstract

A roller clutch includes an outer race, an inner race, a first engagement member situated between the outer race and the inner race, a second engagement member situated between the outer race and the inner race, and an electromagnetic mover to be energized or de-energized. The first engagement member is configured to engage the outer race and the inner race to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race in response to the electromagnetic mover being energized and the inner race applying negative torque to the second engagement member while the outer race applies positive torque to the second engagement member. The second engagement member is configured to engage the outer race and the inner race to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race in response to the inner race applying positive torque to the second engagement member while the outer race applies negative torque to the second engagement member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.