Axle Disconnect

A method, comprising:

• connecting an actuator assembly to a clutch ring configured to selectively engage a rotatable member, the actuator assembly comprising:
• a solenoid comprising:
• an electromagnetic coil arranged within a housing;
• and
• a solenoid core received within the electromagnetic coil, the solenoid core adapted to move between a first axial position and a second axial position;
• and
• a latching system connected to the solenoid, the latching system comprising:
• a support ring fixed to the housing and including a first plurality of teeth extending in a first axial direction;
• a latching ring having a second plurality of teeth extending in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction and toward the support ring and a third plurality of teeth extending in the first axial direction away from the support ring, the latching ring being axially fixed to the solenoid core to move axially with the solenoid core;
• and
• an indexing ring fixed to the housing and having a fourth plurality of teeth extending in the second axial direction toward the third plurality of teeth of the latching ring;
• and
• moving the solenoid core from the first axial position to the second axial position.

An axle disconnect system, comprising:

• a first rotatable member having first spline teeth;
• a second rotatable member having second spline teeth;
• a clutch ring engaged with the first spline teeth and movable into and out of engagement with the second spline teeth;
• and
• an actuator assembly for moving the clutch ring, the actuator assembly comprising:
• a solenoid operably connected to the clutch ring, the solenoid comprising:
• an electromagnetic coil arranged within a housing;
• and
• a solenoid core received within the electromagnetic coil, the solenoid core adapted to move between a first axial position and a second axial position;
• and
• a latching system connected to the solenoid, the latching system comprising:
• a support ring fixed to the housing and including a first plurality of teeth extending in a first axial direction;
• a latching ring having a second plurality of teeth extending in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction and toward the support ring and a third plurality of teeth extending in the first axial direction away from the support ring, the latching ring being connected to the solenoid core;
• and
• an indexing ring fixed to the housing and having a fourth plurality of teeth extending in the second axial direction toward the third plurality of teeth of the latching ring.