US Patent 9518623 Powertrain axle rotational disconnect assembly

An axle disconnect assembly for translating rotational torque between an output shaft and an axle shaft of a vehicle driveline; including: disconnect housing and a clutch supported therein. The clutch is disposed in selective torque translating relationship between the output shaft and the axle shaft, and is movable between: an engaged configuration wherein torque is translated between the output shaft and the axle shaft; and a disengaged configuration wherein torque is interrupted between the shafts. An electromagnetic actuator is provide and has a slider selectively movable between a first stable position and a second stable position. The actuator is disposed in force translating relationship with the clutch such that movement from one stable position to the other stable position causes corresponding movement of the clutch between the configurations so as to selectively translate rotational torque between the output shaft and the axle shaft.