Patent attributes
A clutch assembly is provided for use in a vehicle having an automatic transmission, the assembly including a clutch-apply piston and an integrated one-way clutch, dog clutch apply plate, and synchronizer clutch having a synchronizer plate and a rotating synchronizer cone. The clutch assembly is actuated by a clutch-apply piston configured to axially displace the dog clutch apply plate, thereby engaging the synchronizer plate with the rotating synchronizer cone to synchronize the respective speeds of the synchronizer plate and dog clutch apply plate during a gear shifting event. Upon speed synchronization, continued axial displacement of the clutch-apply piston completes engagement of the dog clutch apply plate to achieve a coast gear state. A return spring provides a return spring force for disengaging the clutch apply piston to permit selection of an alternate gear state during a subsequent gear shifting event.
