Abstract: A disconnect system for selectively coupling or disconnecting a drive member and a driven member. The disconnect system includes a clutch ring rotationally coupled to a drive member, a solenoid actuator, and a clutch ring configured to be moved by the solenoid actuator to selectively transition the clutch ring between an engaged position where the clutch ring is rotationally coupled to a driven member and a disengaged position where the clutch ring is disconnected from the driven member. A controller can be provided to control the axial velocity of the clutch ring (e.g., relative to the rotational axis thereof) to reduce unwanted noise, vibrations, or harshness that can occur during the transition between engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A bi-stable solenoid includes a housing, a wire coil, a permanent magnet, an armature, a pin, and a spring. The wire coil is arranged within the housing. The armature is slidably arranged within the housing and is moveable between a first armature position and a second armature position. The pin at least partially extends out of the housing and is slidably engaged by the armature. The spring is biased between the armature and the pin. When the pin encounters an intermediate position between a retracted position and an extended position due to the pin engaging an obstruction, the spring is configured to maintain a biasing force on the pin until the obstruction is removed.

Abstract: A disconnect system for selectively coupling or disconnecting a drive member and a driven member. The disconnect system includes a clutch ring rotationally coupled to a drive member, a solenoid actuator, and a shift fork coupled to the clutch ring and configured to be pivotally moved by the solenoid actuator. The shift fork configured to be selectively moved by the solenoid actuator to transition the clutch ring between an engaged position where the clutch ring is rotationally coupled to a driven member and a disengaged position where the clutch ring is disconnected from the driven member.

Abstract: A bi-stable solenoid includes a housing, a wire coil, a permanent magnet, an armature, a pin, and a spring. The wire coil is arranged within the housing. The armature is slidably arranged within the housing and is moveable between a first armature position and a second armature position. The pin at least partially extends out of the housing and is slidably engaged by the armature. The spring is biased between the armature and the pin. When the pin encounters an intermediate position between a retracted position and an extended position due to the pin engaging an obstruction, the spring is configured to maintain a biasing force on the pin until the obstruction is removed.

Abstract: A multi-stable solenoid includes a housing defining a first end and an opposing second end, a wire coil arranged within the housing and defining an inner coil plane defined along a radially innermost diameter of the wire coil, a first pole piece arranged adjacent to the first end of the housing, a second pole piece arranged adjacent to the second end of the housing, and an intermediate pole piece arranged axially between the first pole and the second pole. The intermediate pole piece extends radially outwardly past the inner coil plane to an outer surface. The solenoid further includes a permanent magnet arranged adjacent to the intermediate pole piece, and an armature slidably arranged within the housing and movable between two or more stable positions. Selective energization of the wire coil is configured to move the armature between the two or more stable positions.

Abstract: A bi-stable solenoid includes a housing, a wire coil arranged within the housing, a first pole piece, a second pole piece, an armature slidably arranged within the housing, and a permanent magnet arranged within the armature between a first armature portion and a second armature portion. The first armature portion and the second armature portion are fabricated from a magnetically permeable material. Selective energization of the wire coil generates a wire coil flux path and is configured to move the armature between the first stable position and the second stable position. The first stable position is established by magnetic flux of the permanent magnet shorting through the first pole piece, and the second stable position is established by the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet traversing the wire coil flux path.