Actuator for shifting a selectable one-way clutch

A method of operating an actuator configured to shift a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) between a plurality of operating modes, said method comprising:

• providing a first spring and a second spring disposed adjacent the first spring along a first axis;
• providing a plunger disposed on the first axis such that the first spring is disposed between the plunger and the second spring;
• providing a slide plate operatively extending from the plunger and configured for operative connection to the SOWC;
• applying a first preload compression to the first spring along the first axis, wherein the first preload compression is equivalent to a first start pressure;
• applying a second preload compression to the second spring along the first axis, wherein the second preload compression is equivalent to a second start pressure;
• applying a pressure to the slide plate that is greater than the first start pressure such that the slide plate and the plunger move to further compress the first spring along the first axis from the preload compression;
• increasing the pressure applied to the slide plate from the first start pressure, corresponding to a first operating mode, to a first stop pressure such that the slide plate and the plunger move to further compress the first spring until a first stop position is reached, wherein the first stop position corresponds to a second operating mode of the SOWC;
• increasing the pressure applied to the slide plate from the first stop pressure to a second start pressure, wherein the slide plate and the plunger remain stationary to maintain the second operating mode of the SOWC;
• increasing the pressure applied to the slide plate from the second start pressure to a second stop pressure such that the slide plate and the plunger move to further compress the second spring from the preload compression until a second stop is reached, wherein the second stop position corresponds to a third operating mode of the SOWC.

A clutch assembly configured for shifting between a plurality of operating modes, said clutch assembly comprising:

• a selectable one-way clutch assembly (SOWC) movable between a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode;
• and
• an actuator configured to shift said SOWC between said operating modes, said actuator including:
• a spring housing defining a first bore therein;
• a first spring disposed in said first bore and configured for being compressed along a first axis;
• wherein said first spring has a preload compression along said first axis equivalent to a first start pressure;
• a second spring disposed in said second bore, adjacent said second spring, and configured for being compressed along said first axis;
• wherein said second spring has a preload compression along said first axis equivalent to a second start pressure;
• a plunger movably disposed in said first bore along said first axis such that said first spring is disposed between said plunger and said second spring;
• a slide plate movably extending from said plunger and configured operatively engaging said SOWC such that said SOWC shifts between said plurality of operating modes in response to movement of said plunger and said slide plate;
• wherein said first spring is configured for being compressed from beyond said preload compression to a first stop position as said pressure is increased from said first start pressure to a first stop pressure such that said first spring is prevented from further compression along said first axis;
• wherein said second spring is configured for being compressed from beyond said respective preload compression to a second stop position as said pressure is increased from said second start pressure to a second stop pressure such that said second spring is prevented from further compression along said first axis.