Wedge clutch with centrifugal retention

A wedge clutch, comprising:

• an inner race including:
• first and second sides facing in first and second opposite axial directions, respectively;
• and,
• a radially outermost surface sloping radially inward from the second side to the first side;
• an outer race located radially outward of the inner race;
• a wedge plate radially disposed between the inner and outer races and including:
• third and fourth sides facing in the first and second axial directions, respectively;
• a radially innermost surface sloping radially inward from the fourth side to the third side;
• and,
• a first plurality of retention features;
• a retention ring including a second plurality of retention features;
• and,
• an actuation assembly arranged to:
• displace the inner race in the first axial direction to implement a locked mode in which the inner race, the wedge plate and the outer race are non-rotatably connected;
• and,
• displace the inner race in the second axial direction to implement a free-wheel mode in which the inner and outer races are rotatable with respect to each other, wherein:
• in the free-wheel mode, the second plurality of retention features are engaged with the first plurality of retention features to block radially outward expansion of the wedge plate.

A wedge clutch, comprising:

• an inner race including:
• first and second sides facing in first and second opposite axial directions, respectively;
• and,
• a radially outermost surface sloping radially inward from the second side to the first side;
• an outer race located radially outward of the inner race;
• a wedge plate radially disposed between the inner and outer races and including:
• third and fourth sides facing in the first and second axial directions, respectively;
• a radially innermost surface sloping radially inward from the fourth side to the third side;
• and,
• a first plurality of retention features;
• a retention ring including a second plurality of retention features;
• a resilient element urging the inner race in the first axial direction to implement a locked mode in which the inner race, the wedge plate and the outer race are non-rotatably connected;
• and,
• an electromagnet arranged to displace the inner race in the second axial direction to implement a free-wheel mode in which the inner and outer races are rotatable with respect to each other, wherein:
• in the free-wheel mode, the second plurality of retention features are engaged with the first plurality of retention features to block radially outward expansion of the wedge plate.