A method of disengaging an axle disconnect system including providing an actuator having a coil (214) at least partially surrounded by a housing (220), an armature (216) located within the housing and the coil, where the armature is capable of actuating between a first and second position, and at least one of the housing and the armature is part of a magnetic circuit. Applying a current to the coil and actuating the armature from the first position to the second position. Developing an uninterrupted magnetic flux through the magnetic circuit and stopping application of the current to the coil. Permitting the magnetic flux through the magnetic circuit to continue in its uninterrupted state and maintain the armature in the second position. Applying an alternating current, having decreasing amplitude over time, to the coil to dissipate the magnetic flux through the magnetic circuit.

Integrated stator disk devices, systems, and methods for torque generation are provided. The resistive torque-generating device can include an integrated stator disk system including at least one metallic stator disk having a planar disk body, and at least one rotor disposed adjacent to the at least one metallic stator disk such that there are at least two shear areas formed by the at least one metallic stator disk and the at least one rotor; and magneto-rheological material disposed between portions of the at least one metallic stator disk and the at least one rotor. In some embodiments, the rotor(s) is/are a bent rotor(s), thereby providing for increased torque generation while fitting within tight space constraints.

A reset lockout mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a linkage, a rocker, an armature, a solenoid, and a plunger. The linkage is positioned to move between an open position and a closed position. The rocker is selectively engageable with the linkage. The armature is selectively engageable with the rocker. The plunger is supported by the solenoid and operatively coupled to the armature. The plunger is movable between a first position and a second position.

A linear actuator includes a magnet housing having first and second planar sides, a front plate and a rear plate, and a base plate covering a channel defined by the magnet housing. A first plurality of magnets is secured to the first planar side and a second plurality of magnets is secured to the second planar side. A linear guide slidably secured to an inner surface of the base plate. A piston assembly has a piston element attached to the linear guide. The piston assembly includes a shaft and a printed circuit board attached to the piston element. The printed circuit board defines a controller and a printed coil assembly. A flex cable is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The piston assembly is disposed to move linearly during operation of the linear actuator.

A linear actuator includes a magnet housing having first and second planar sides, a front plate and a rear plate, and a base plate covering a channel defined by the magnet housing. A first plurality of magnets is secured to the first planar side and a second plurality of magnets is secured to the second planar side. A linear guide slidably secured to an inner surface of the base plate. A piston assembly has a piston element attached to the linear guide. The piston assembly includes a shaft and a printed circuit board attached to the piston element. The printed circuit board defines a controller and a printed coil assembly. A flex cable is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The piston assembly is disposed to move linearly during operation of the linear actuator.

An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical contact device and a second electrical contact device. The first electrical contact device includes at least one first electrical contact and an actuator movable between a first position and a second position. The second electrical contact device includes at least one second electrical contact device and an interlock feature to engage the actuator when the actuator is in the first position. The actuator is in the first position when the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with a power source, and the actuator is in the second position when the electrical communication between the first electrical contact and the power source is disconnected. When the actuator is in the first position and the second electrical contact engage the first electrical contact, the interlock feature engages the actuator, thereby securing the first electrical contact device and the second electrical contact device against disconnection.

An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical contact device and a second electrical contact device. The first electrical contact device includes at least one first electrical contact and an actuator movable between a first position and a second position. The second electrical contact device includes at least one second electrical contact device and an interlock feature to engage the actuator when the actuator is in the first position. The actuator is in the first position when the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with a power source, and the actuator is in the second position when the electrical communication between the first electrical contact and the power source is disconnected. When the actuator is in the first position and the second electrical contact engage the first electrical contact, the interlock feature engages the actuator, thereby securing the first electrical contact device and the second electrical contact device against disconnection.

A solenoid includes a molded coil having a hole at the center of a coil of a plurality of turns, a solenoid body having a case covering the outer perimeter of the molded coil, a movable plunger inserted in the hole, and a magnetic attraction portion disposed in a direction in which the plunger is moved and attracted by magnetic force produced by the coil, an annular plate adjacent to the coil of the molded coil opposite to the solenoid body, and a sleeve facing the magnetic attraction portion via an air gap and supporting one end of a rod connected to the plunger, in which a magnetic circuit L is formed through the magnetic attraction portion, the case, the sleeve, and the plunger, and back to the magnetic attraction portion, and the plunger has at least one outer edge extension formed by an outer edge portion extended axially.

An inner plunger of a solenoid coil assembly for a differential clutch of a vehicle contributes to weight lightening and price reduction of a solenoid assembly, provide various shapes, reduce friction against an inner housing, and improve the function of the solenoid assembly. The inner plunger includes an outer wheel combined with a coil bobbin of a solenoid assembly and an inner wheel combined with an inner housing. The inner wheel is molded of insulator synthetic resin with excellent moldability, magnetic metal as the outer wheel is inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the inner wheel made of the synthetic resin, and an undercut groove is formed on the whole inner surface of the inner wheel made of synthetic resin in order to reduce friction against an inner housing.

To provide a solenoid configured so that vibration and noise in energization can be reduced.

A solenoid 1 is configured to use magnetic action in energization of a coil 2 to drive, in an axial direction, a core 4 at least including a first magnetic resistor. The solenoid 1 includes a shaft 5 attached to the core 4, and bearings 6, 7 supporting both end portions of the core. The solenoid 1 further includes a second magnetic resistor 4b configured to generate force for moving at least the core 4 in a radial direction by the magnetic action.