Clutch actuation assembly with satellite pistons

A dual clutch transmission for transmitting torque between a prime mover and an output shaft, the dual clutch transmission comprising:

• a transmission housing including a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion for supporting a first and a second countershaft;
• a first input shaft;
• a second input shaft;
• a first clutch including an actuation member and selectively engaged between the prime mover and the first input shaft;
• a second clutch including an actuation member and selectively engaged between the prime mover and the second input shaft;
• an actuator housing including an inner cylindrical wall, an outer cylindrical wall concentric with the inner cylindrical wall, and a plurality of satellite cylindrical walls, the inner cylindrical wall circumscribing the first and the second input shafts, the inner and outer cylindrical walls defining an inner piston annulus, and the plurality of satellite cylindrical walls defining a plurality of satellite piston bores, and wherein each of the plurality of satellite cylindrical walls is disposed at least partially radially outward of the outer cylindrical wall of the housing;
• a plurality of satellite pistons disposed in the satellite piston bores and in sliding engagement with the satellite cylindrical walls of the housing;
• an annular apply member axially engaged with each of the plurality of satellite pistons and including an annular plate portion disposed radially outward of the outer cylindrical wall of the housing, wherein the apply member is disposed for axial engagement with the actuation member of the first clutch;
• and
• an annular central piston disposed in the inner piston annulus and in sliding engagement with the inner and outer cylindrical walls of the housing, wherein the central piston is disposed for axial engagement with the actuation member of the second clutch.