Patent Publication Number: US-2023140405-A1

Title: Disconnect mechanisms, transmission systems incorporating the same, and methods associated therewith

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates, generally, to transmission systems, and, more specifically, to transmission systems incorporating one or more disconnect mechanisms. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Interruption of power transmission along one or more torque paths may be required during operation of some vehicles. To that end, some vehicles may incorporate transmission systems having one or more disconnect mechanisms. In some cases, manually operated disconnect mechanisms may demand an undesirable degree of operator effort. Additionally, in some cases, it may be difficult to determine the operative state of manually operated disconnect mechanisms. Systems and/or devices that incorporate disconnect mechanisms and avoid the aforementioned shortcomings, among other drawbacks, remain an area of interest. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a disconnect mechanism for selectively decoupling a driving device from a driven device may include a lever, an inner shaft, an outer shaft, and a housing. The inner shaft may be coupled to the lever for rotation about a longitudinal axis in response to manual manipulation of the lever. The outer shaft may be coupled to the inner shaft for common rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis, and the outer shaft may include a plurality of protrusions each extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the outer shaft. The housing may at least partially house the inner shaft and the outer shaft, and the housing may include a plurality of helical slots each receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of protrusions. In use of the disconnect mechanism, manual manipulation of the lever may drive rotation of the outer shaft about the longitudinal axis to cause movement of the plurality of protrusions in the plurality of helical slots. Movement of the plurality of protrusions in the plurality of helical slots may guide translation of the outer shaft along the longitudinal axis to transition the disconnect mechanism between an engaged state, in which the disconnect mechanism couples the driving device to the driven device, and a disengaged state, in which the disconnect system decouples the driving device from the driven device. 
     In some embodiments, the transition of the disconnect mechanism between the engaged state and the disengaged state may correspond to less than 90 degrees of manual rotation of the lever about the longitudinal axis. The transition of the disconnect mechanism between the engaged state and the disengaged state may correspond to 60 degrees of manual rotation of the lever about the longitudinal axis. 
     In some embodiments, the inner shaft may include a splined rod that defines one end of the inner shaft, a keyed cylinder that defines another end of the inner shaft opposite the one end, and a collar positioned between the splined rod and the keyed cylinder. The collar may have a diameter greater than a diameter of the splined rod and a diameter of the keyed cylinder, the keyed cylinder may extend circumferentially all the way around the longitudinal axis, and the keyed cylinder may include a plurality of key projections circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis. The outer shaft may include a body that defines a first end of the outer shaft and has a first diameter and a neck that defines a second end of the outer shaft opposite the first end and has a second diameter less than the first diameter, the plurality of protrusions may extend outwardly from the body at an outer diameter thereof and be circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis, and the body may include a plurality of key grooves at an inner diameter thereof that receive the plurality of key projections. 
     In some embodiments, the disconnect mechanism may include a biasing element arranged between the inner shaft and the outer shaft such that the biasing element extends along the longitudinal axis, the biasing element may apply a biasing force to the outer shaft and the lever may apply a lever force to the inner shaft, and in the engaged state of the disconnect mechanism, the biasing force applied to the outer shaft by the biasing element and the lever force applied to the inner shaft by the lever may cooperate to resist translation of the outer shaft along the longitudinal axis. In the disengaged state of the disconnect mechanism, the biasing force applied to the outer shaft by the biasing element and the lever force applied to the inner shaft by the lever may be insufficient to resist translation of the outer shaft along the longitudinal axis. Additionally, in some embodiments, the disconnect mechanism may include a bearing that surrounds the outer shaft at an inner diameter of the bearing, a locknut that surrounds the outer shaft and constrains the bearing against translation along the longitudinal axis relative to the outer shaft, a coupling shaft coupled to the bearing at an outer diameter of the bearing, and a plurality of snap rings that secure the coupling shaft to the bearing at the outer diameter of the bearing. Movement of the plurality of protrusions in the plurality of helical slots may cause translation of the bearing, the locknut, the coupling shaft, and the plurality of snap rings along the longitudinal axis with the outer shaft. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a transmission system may include a driving device, a driven device, and a disconnect mechanism. The driving device may include a transmission to transmit rotational power. The driven device may include a final drive hub to receive rotational power from the driving device. The disconnect mechanism may selectively decouple the driving device from the driven device. The disconnect mechanism may include a lever, an inner shaft, an outer shaft, and a housing. The inner shaft may be coupled to the lever for rotation about a longitudinal axis in response to manual manipulation of the lever. The outer shaft may be coupled to the inner shaft for common rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis, and the outer shaft may include a plurality of protrusions. The housing may at least partially house the inner shaft and the outer shaft, and the housing may include a plurality of helical slots each receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of protrusions. In use of the transmission system, manual manipulation of the lever may drive movement of the plurality of protrusions in the plurality of helical slots to guide translation of the outer shaft along the longitudinal axis such that the disconnect mechanism transitions between an engaged state, in which the disconnect mechanism couples the driving device to the driven device, and a disengaged state, in which the disconnect system decouples the driving device from the driven device. 
     In some embodiments, the transition of the disconnect mechanism between the engaged state and the disengaged state may correspond to 60 degrees of manual rotation of the lever about the longitudinal axis. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inner shaft may include a splined rod that defines one end of the inner shaft, a keyed cylinder that defines another end of the inner shaft opposite the one end, and a collar positioned between the splined rod and the keyed cylinder, the collar may have a diameter greater than a diameter of the splined rod and a diameter of the keyed cylinder, the keyed cylinder may extend circumferentially all the way around the longitudinal axis, and the keyed cylinder may include a plurality of key projections circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis. The outer shaft may include a body that defines a first end of the outer shaft and has a first diameter and a neck that defines a second end of the outer shaft opposite the first end and has a second diameter less than the first diameter, the plurality of protrusions may extend outwardly from the body at an outer diameter thereof and be circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis, and the body may include a plurality of key grooves at an inner diameter thereof that receive the plurality of key projections. 
     In some embodiments, the disconnect system may further include a biasing element arranged between the inner shaft and the outer shaft such that the biasing element extends along the longitudinal axis, a bearing that surrounds the outer shaft at an inner diameter of the bearing, a locknut that surrounds the outer shaft and constrains the bearing against translation along the longitudinal axis relative to the outer shaft, a coupling shaft coupled to the bearing at an outer diameter of the bearing, and a plurality of snap rings that secure the coupling shaft to the bearing at the outer diameter of the bearing. Movement of the plurality of protrusions in the plurality of helical slots may cause translation of the bearing, the locknut, the coupling shaft, and the plurality of snap rings along the longitudinal axis with the outer shaft. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a disconnect mechanism to permit selective decoupling of a driving device from a driven device using the disconnect mechanism may include (i) inserting a biasing element into a first passageway formed in an outer shaft of the disconnect mechanism, (ii) advancing an inner shaft of the disconnect mechanism into the first passageway such that the biasing element is at least partially received in a second passageway formed in the inner shaft, (iii) coupling the outer shaft to a coupling shaft of the disconnect mechanism, (iv) installing the inner shaft, the outer shaft, and the biasing element in a housing of the disconnect mechanism such that a plurality of protrusions of the outer shaft are received by a plurality of helical slots formed in the housing and the inner shaft, the outer shaft, and the biasing element are aligned along a longitudinal axis, and (v) attaching a lever of the disconnect mechanism to the inner shaft. 
     In some embodiments, attaching the lever of the disconnect mechanism to the inner shaft may include establishing a mechanical linkage between the lever and the outer shaft such that manual rotation of the lever drives translation of the outer shaft and the coupling shaft along the longitudinal axis in use of the disconnect mechanism. Additionally, in some embodiments, coupling the outer shaft to the coupling shaft may include arranging the outer shaft in contact with a bearing at an inner diameter of the bearing, securing a locknut to the outer shaft to constrain the bearing against translation along the longitudinal axis relative to the outer shaft, contacting the bearing with the coupling shaft at an outer diameter of the bearing, and affixing the outer diameter of the bearing to the coupling shaft using a plurality of snap rings. Attaching the lever of the disconnect mechanism to the inner shaft may include establishing a mechanical linkage between the lever and the outer shaft such that manual rotation of the lever drives translation of the outer shaft, the bearing, the locknut, the plurality of snap rings, and the coupling shaft along the longitudinal axis in use of the disconnect mechanism. 
     These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a transmission system adapted for use with a vehicle; 
         FIG.  2    is a detail view of  FIG.  1    with some elements omitted for the sake of simplicity; 
         FIG.  3    is a sectional view of a disconnect mechanism included in the transmission system of  FIG.  1    which is depicted in an engaged state; 
         FIG.  4    is a sectional view of the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3    which is depicted in a disengaged state; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a lever included in the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of an inner shaft included in the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of an outer shaft included in the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a biasing element included in the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a bearing included in the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a locknut included in the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a sectional view of a coupling shaft included in the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of at least one snap ring included in the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3   ; and 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a housing included in the disconnect mechanism of  FIG.  3   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). 
     In the drawings, some structural or method features, such as those representing devices, modules, instructions blocks and data elements, may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings for ease of description. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features. 
     In some embodiments, schematic elements used to represent blocks of a method may be manually performed by a user. In other embodiments, implementation of those schematic elements may be automated using any suitable form of machine-readable instruction, such as software or firmware applications, programs, functions, modules, routines, processes, procedures, plug-ins, applets, widgets, code fragments and/or others, for example, and each such instruction may be implemented using any suitable programming language, library, application programming interface (API), and/or other software development tools. For instance, in some embodiments, the schematic elements may be implemented using Java, C++, and/or other programming languages. Similarly, schematic elements used to represent data or information may be implemented using any suitable electronic arrangement or structure, such as a register, data store, table, record, array, index, hash, map, tree, list, graph, file (of any file type), folder, directory, database, and/or others, for example. 
     Further, in the drawings, where connecting elements, such as solid or dashed lines or arrows, are used to illustrate a connection, relationship, or association between or among two or more other schematic elements, the absence of any such connection elements is not meant to imply that no connection, relationship, or association can exist. In other words, some connections, relationships, or associations between elements may not be shown in the drawings so as not to obscure the disclosure. In addition, for ease of illustration, a single connecting element may be used to represent multiple connections, relationships, or associations between elements. For example, where a connecting element represents a communication of signals, data or instructions, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that such element may represent one or multiple signal paths (e.g., a bus), as may be needed, to effect the communication. 
     The present disclosure envisions a disconnect mechanism (e.g., the disconnect mechanism  130 ) for selectively decoupling a driving device (e.g., the device  110 ) from a driven device (e.g., the device  120 ). Among other elements, the disconnect mechanism may include a lever (e.g., the lever  500 ), an inner shaft (e.g., the inner shaft  600 ), an outer shaft (e.g., the outer shaft  700 ), and a housing (e.g., the housing  1300 ). The inner shaft is coupled to the lever for rotation about a longitudinal axis (e.g., the axis LA) in response to manual manipulation of the lever. The outer shaft is coupled to the inner shaft for common rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis, and the outer shaft includes protrusions (e.g., the protrusions  702 ,  704 ) each extending outwardly away from an exterior surface (e.g., the surface  706 ) of the outer shaft. The housing at least partially houses the inner shaft and the outer shaft and includes helical slots (e.g., helical slots  1302 ,  1304 ) each receiving a corresponding one of the protrusions. In use of the disconnect mechanism, manual manipulation of the lever drives rotation of the outer shaft about the longitudinal axis to cause movement of the protrusions in the helical slots. Movement of the protrusions in the helical slots guides translation of the outer shaft along the longitudinal axis to transition the disconnect mechanism between an engaged state (e.g., the state  300 ), in which the disconnect mechanism couples the driving device to the driven device, and a disengaged state (e.g., the state  400 ), in which the disconnect system decouples the driving device from the driven device. 
     It should be appreciated that in some applications, drive system torque pathways may be disconnected or interrupted. In conventional configurations, that disconnection or interruption may correspond to, or otherwise be associated with, axial movement of mating splines. In such configurations, the axial movement of mating splines may be driven by rotation of a hand or tool-operated lever. The conversion of rotational motion of the lever to axial motion of the splines is typically achieved by one or more screw mechanisms. Operation of the screw mechanism(s) often requires the lever to be turned multiple times. Additionally, the axial position of the splines may be difficult to determine in correspondence to the rotational position of the lever. 
     The disconnect mechanism envisioned by the present disclosure accomplishes the conversion of rotational motion to axial motion achieved with conventional screw mechanisms while providing a number of advantages. In one respect, the degree of rotational motion required to operate the envisioned disconnect mechanism between the engaged and disengaged states discussed below is less than the rotational motion necessitated by conventional configurations. As such, operation of the disconnect mechanism contemplated herein requires less time and less effort than the time and effort needed to operate other mechanisms. In another respect, the axial position of one or more components of the disconnect mechanism provided herein may be readily observed and determined in correspondence to the rotational position of the lever of the disconnect mechanism. Consequently, the operational state of the disconnect mechanism provided herein may be more easily determined than the operational state of other mechanisms. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , an illustrative transmission system  100  is adapted to transmit rotational power to a load in use thereof. In some embodiments, the transmission system  100  is configured to transmit rotational power generated by a power source, such as one or more drive units, motors, engines, power plants, or the like, for example, to the load. Additionally, in some embodiments, the transmission system  100  may incorporate one or more drive units, motors, engines, power plants, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the illustrative transmission system  100  may be adapted for use with, or otherwise incorporated into, one or more vehicles employed in a variety of applications. In some embodiments, the transmission system  100  may be adapted for use with, or otherwise incorporated into, fire and emergency vehicles, refuse vehicles, coach vehicles, RVs and motorhomes, municipal and/or service vehicles, agricultural vehicles, mining vehicles, specialty vehicles, energy vehicles, defense vehicles, port service vehicles, construction vehicles, and transit and/or bus vehicles, just to name a few. Additionally, in some embodiments, the transmission system  100  may be adapted for use with, or otherwise incorporated into, tractors, front end loaders, scraper systems, cutters and shredders, hay and forage equipment, planting equipment, seeding equipment, sprayers and applicators, tillage equipment, utility vehicles, mowers, dump trucks, backhoes, track loaders, crawler loaders, dozers, excavators, motor graders, skid steers, tractor loaders, wheel loaders, rakes, aerators, skidders, bunchers, forwarders, harvesters, swing machines, knuckleboom loaders, diesel engines, axles, planetary gear drives, pump drives, transmissions, generators, and marine engines, among other suitable equipment. 
     The transmission system  100  illustratively includes a driving device  110  (shown in phantom), a driven device  120 , and a disconnect mechanism  130 . In some embodiments, the driving device  110  includes, or is otherwise embodied as, a transmission configured to transmit rotational power supplied by a rotational power source as described above to the driving device  120 . In some embodiments, the driven device  120  includes, or is otherwise embodied as, a final drive hub or final drive hub assembly which is coupled to a load. In the illustrative example, the driven device  120  is coupled to a track  122  of a vehicle such that rotational power may be transmitted from the driving device  110  to the track  122  in use of the vehicle to drive movement thereof. However, in other examples, the driven device  120  may be coupled to another suitable structure operable to receive rotational power from the driving device  110 , such as a wheel, a power take-off gear, or a power take-off assembly, just to name a few. Furthermore, in some examples, the driven device  120  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a power take-off gear or a power take-off assembly. The disconnect mechanism  130  is configured to selectively couple the devices  110 ,  120  to transmit rotational power from the driving device  110  to the driven device  120  in use of the transmission system  100 . Additionally, as explained in more detail below, the disconnect mechanism  130  is configured to selectively decouple the driving device  110  from the driven device  120  in use of the transmission system  100  to interrupt rotational power transmission between the devices  110 ,  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , in the illustrative embodiment, the disconnect mechanism  130  includes a lever  500  (see also  FIG.  5   ). The lever  500  is configured for attachment to an inner shaft  600  (see  FIG.  6   ) extending outwardly away from an exterior surface  234  of a case  232  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . When a head  502  of the lever  500  is positioned around the inner shaft  600  as shown in  FIG.  2   , the lever  500  is configured for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis LA. More specifically, the lever  500  is manually pivotal about the longitudinal axis LA between a first position  240  corresponding to an engaged state  300  (see  FIG.  3   ) of the disconnect mechanism  130  and a second position  250  (shown in phantom) corresponding to a disengaged state  400  (see  FIG.  4   ) of the disconnect mechanism  130 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the lever  500  is lockable in each of the positions  240 ,  250 . To that end, the lever  500  is formed to include an opening  504  and the exterior surface  234  of the case  232  is formed to include holes  236 ,  238 . When the lever  500  is in the position  240 , the opening  504  may be aligned with the hole  236  to receive a fastener  260  and thereby lock the lever  500  in the position  240 . Similarly, when the lever  500  is in the position  250 , the opening  504  may be aligned with the hole  238  to receive the fastener  260  and thereby lock the lever  500  in the position  250 . 
     As described in greater detail below, manual manipulation of the lever  500  between the positions  240 ,  250  transitions the disconnect mechanism  130  between the engaged state  300  and the disengaged state  400 . In the engaged state  300  of the disconnect mechanism  130 , the disconnect mechanism  130  couples the driving device  110  to the driven device  120 . In the disengaged state  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 , the disconnect system  130  decouples the driving device  110  from the driven device  120 . Additionally, as further discussed below, transitioning between the engaged state  300  and the disengaged state  400  involves unlocking the lever  500  from the present position (e.g., one of the positions  240 ,  250 ) and locking the lever  500  in its desired position (e.g., the other of the positions  240 ,  250 ). 
     In the illustrative embodiment, movement of the lever  500  between the positions  240 ,  250  corresponds to, or is otherwise associated with, less than 90 degrees of manual rotation about the longitudinal axis LA. In some embodiments, movement of the lever  500  between the positions  240 ,  250  corresponds to, or is otherwise associated with, 60 degrees of manual rotation about the longitudinal axis LA, which is represented by angle β. It should be appreciated that since movement of the lever  500  between the positions  240 ,  250  transitions the disconnect mechanism  130  between the engaged state  300  and the disengaged state  400 , that transition corresponds to, and is characterized by, the aforementioned rotation of the lever  500  about the longitudinal axis LA. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , among other things, the illustrative disconnect mechanism  130  includes the lever  500 , the inner shaft  600 , an outer shaft  700  (see  FIG.  7   ), and a housing  1300  (see  FIG.  13   ). The inner shaft  600  is coupled to the lever  500  for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis LA in response to manual manipulation of the lever  500  as indicated above. The outer shaft  700  is coupled to the inner shaft  600  for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis LA. The outer shaft  700  includes protrusions  702 ,  704  extending outwardly away from an exterior surface  706  of a body  708  of the outer shaft  700 . The housing  1300  at least partially houses the inner shaft  600  and the outer shaft  700  and includes helical slots  1302 ,  1304  each sized to receive a corresponding one of the protrusions  702 ,  704 . 
     As further discussed below, in use of the illustrative disconnect mechanism  130 , manual manipulation of the lever  500  drives rotation of the outer shaft  700  about the longitudinal axis LA to cause movement of the protrusions  702 ,  704  in the helical slots  1302 ,  1304 . Furthermore, as discussed in greater detail below, movement of the protrusions  702 ,  704  in the helical slots  1302 ,  1304  guides translation of the outer shaft  700  along the longitudinal axis LA to transition the disconnect mechanism  130  between the engaged state  300  and the disengaged state  400 . Of course, it should be appreciated that the transition of the disconnect mechanism  130  between the states  300 ,  400  which is guided by translation of the outer shaft  700  along the longitudinal axis LA is effected by rotation of the lever  500  between the positions  240 ,  250  discussed above. 
     The illustrative disconnect mechanism  130  further includes a biasing element  800  (see  FIG.  8   ), a bearing  900  (see  FIG.  9   ), a locknut  1000  (see  FIG.  10   ), a coupling shaft  1100  (see  FIG.  11   ), and at least one snap ring  1200  (see  FIG.  12   ). The biasing element  800  is arranged between the inner shaft  600  and the outer shaft  700  such that the biasing element  800  extends along the longitudinal axis LA in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . The bearing  900  surrounds the outer shaft  700  at an inner diameter ID of the bearing  900  in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . The locknut  1000  surrounds the outer shaft  700  and constrains the bearing  900  against translation along the longitudinal axis LA relative to the outer shaft  700  in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . The coupling shaft  1100  is coupled to the bearing  900  at an outer diameter OD of the bearing  900  in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . The at least one snap ring  1200  includes two snap rings that secure the coupling shaft  1100  to the bearing  900  at the outer diameter OD of the bearing  900  in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , the illustrative lever  500  includes the head  502  and a handle  506  interconnected with the head  502 . The handle  506  is sized for manual manipulation by an operator and formed to include the opening  504 . The head  502  is formed to include an opening  508  which is sized to receive a portion of the inner shaft  600 , as discussed below. In the illustrative embodiment, the head  502  has a circular shape complementary to the shape of the portion of the inner shaft  600 , and the handle  506  has a rectangular shape. Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the head  502  and the handle  506  may take the shape of other suitable geometric forms. In any case, in the illustrative embodiment, the lever  500  is sized and constructed to apply a lever force LF to the inner shaft  600  when the lever  500  is coupled to the inner shaft  600  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   ). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , the illustrative inner shaft  600  includes a splined rod  610 , a keyed cylinder  620 , and a collar  630  positioned between the splined rod  610  and the keyed cylinder  620 . The splined rod  610  defines one end  612  of the inner shaft  600  and the keyed cylinder  620  defines another end  622  of the inner shaft  600  arranged opposite the end  612 . The splined rod  610  is sized to be received by the splined opening  508  of the lever  500 . The keyed cylinder  620  is sized to be received by the outer shaft  700  in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . Each of the splined rod  610 , the keyed cylinder  620 , and the collar  630  is at least partially positioned in the housing  1300  in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the splined rod  610  of the inner shaft  600  has a cylindrical shape such that the rod  610  extends circumferentially all the way around the longitudinal axis LA in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . The splined rod  610  illustratively has a diameter D1. In other embodiments, however, the splined rod  610  may take the shape of other suitable geometric forms. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the keyed cylinder  620  of the inner shaft  600  has a generally cylindrical shape such that the cylinder  620  extends circumferentially all the way around the longitudinal axis LA in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . The keyed cylinder  620  illustratively has a diameter D2. Additionally, the keyed cylinder  620  is formed to include rectangular key projections  624  that are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis LA in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . In other embodiments, however, the keyed cylinder  620  and the key projections  624  may take the shape of other suitable geometric forms. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the collar  630  of the inner shaft  600  includes, or is otherwise embodied as, a circular disk that extends circumferentially all the way around the longitudinal axis LA in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . The collar  630  illustratively has a diameter D3 that is greater than the diameter D1 of the splined rod  610  and the diameter D2 of the keyed cylinder  620 . In other embodiments, however, the collar  630  may take the shape of other suitable geometric forms. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , the illustrative outer shaft  700  includes a body  710  and a neck  720  interconnected with the body  710 . The body  710  defines one end  712  of the outer shaft  700  and the neck  720  defines another end  722  of the outer shaft  700  arranged opposite the end  712 . The body  710  illustratively has a cylindrical shape and a diameter D4. The neck  720  illustratively has a cylindrical shape and a diameter D5 that is less than the diameter D4 of the body  710 . The body  710  is sized and constructed to receive the keyed cylinder  620  of the inner shaft  600  and the biasing element  800  in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . The neck  720  is sized and constructed to be received by the bearing  900  and the locknut  1000  in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . In other embodiments, however, the body  710  and the neck  720  may take the shape of other suitable geometric forms. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the body  710  of the outer shaft  700  is formed to include key grooves  714  at an inner diameter  716  thereof. The key grooves  714  are illustratively sized to receive the key projections  624  of the keyed cylinder  620 . As such, similar to the key projections  624 , the key grooves  714  are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis LA in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the protrusions  702 ,  704  extend outwardly from the body  710  at an outer diameter  718  thereof. Each of the protrusions  702 ,  704  illustratively has a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, however, it should be appreciated that the protrusions  702 ,  704  may take the shape of other suitable geometric forms. In any case, the protrusions  702 ,  704  are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis LA in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , the biasing element  800  illustratively includes, or is otherwise embodied as, any elastic element capable of storing mechanical energy. In the illustrative embodiment, the biasing element  800  includes a spring  810 , such as a helical coil spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, a torsion spring, or the like, for example. As best seen in  FIG.  3   , when the biasing element  800  is arranged between the inner shaft  600  and the outer shaft  700 , the biasing element  800  applies a biasing force BF to the outer shaft  700  to urge the outer shaft  700  away from the lever  500  along the longitudinal axis LA. 
     As suggested by  FIG.  3   , when the disconnect mechanism  130  is in the engaged state  300 , the biasing force BF applied to the outer shaft  700  by the biasing element  800  and the lever force LF applied to the inner shaft  600  by the lever  500  cooperate to resist translation of the outer shaft  700  toward the lever  500  along the longitudinal axis LA. In some embodiments, the combination of (i) the biasing force BF exerted by the biasing element  800  on the outer shaft  700  and (ii) the lever force LF applied by the lever  500  to the inner shaft  600  as a result of the weight of the lever  500  act to cause operation of the disconnect mechanism  130  in the engaged state  300  in the event of a disengagement fault state, such as a fault state associated with incomplete motion of one or more components of the disconnect mechanism  130 , improper fastening of the lever  500  in one of the positions  240 ,  250 , or operator error, just to name a few. Conversely, as suggested by  FIG.  4   , when the disconnect mechanism  130  is in the disengaged state  400 , the biasing force BF and the lever force LF are insufficient to resist translation of the outer shaft  700  toward the lever  500  along the longitudinal axis LA. It should be appreciated that the lever  500  and the biasing element  800  are sized and constructed to apply the respective forces LF and BF which have sufficient combined magnitudes to resist translation of the outer shaft  700  toward the lever  500  along the longitudinal axis LA when the disconnect mechanism  130  is in the engaged state  300 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , the bearing  900  illustratively includes, or is otherwise embodied as, any device capable of at least partially supporting the outer shaft  700  (i.e., the neck  720  thereof) for rotation about the longitudinal axis LA. In some embodiments, the bearing  900  may be configured to at least partially permit or facilitate common rotation of the outer shaft  700  and the coupling shaft  1100  about the longitudinal axis LA. Additionally, in some embodiments, the bearing  900  may be configured to at least partially permit or facilitate some degree of relative rotation between the outer shaft  700  and the coupling shaft  1100  about the longitudinal axis LA. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the bearing  900  includes, or is otherwise embodied as, a ball bearing  910 , such as an angular contact bearing, an axial ball bearing, a deep-groove ball bearing, a Conrad-style ball bearing, a slot-fill ball bearing, a relieved race ball bearing, a fractured race ball bearing, a hybrid ball bearing, or the like, for example. In other embodiments, however, the bearing  900  may include, or otherwise be embodied as, another suitable bearing. 
     In some embodiments, the bearing  900  includes an inner race  920 , an outer race  930 , and an intermediate race  940  arranged radially between the inner race  920  and the outer race  930 . The inner race  920  defines the inner diameter ID of the bearing  900  and contacts the neck  720  of the outer shaft  700 . The outer race  930  defines the outer diameter OD of the bearing  900  and contacts the coupling shaft  1100 . Although not shown, the bearing  900  includes rollers or balls arranged radially between the inner race  920  and the intermediate race  940  and/or the outer race  930  and the intermediate race  940 , at least in some embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , the locknut  1000  illustratively includes, or is otherwise embodied as, any device capable of securing the bearing  900  to the outer shaft  700  and thereby constraining the bearing  900  against translation along the longitudinal axis LA relative to the outer shaft  700 . In some embodiments, the locknut  1000  may include, or otherwise be embodied as, a self-locking nut, a prevailing torque nut, a stiff nut, an elastic stop nut, or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the locknut  1000  may be embodied as any device configured to resist loosening under vibrations and torque to maintain securement of the bearing  900  to the outer shaft  700  during operation of the disconnect mechanism  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11   , the coupling shaft  1100  includes, or is otherwise embodied as, any device configured for interaction with the driven device  120  in use of the disconnect mechanism  130 . In some embodiments, the coupling shaft  1100  may be integrated into, or otherwise form a portion of, the driven device  120 . In any case, in the illustrative embodiment, the coupling shaft  1100  includes a ring  1110 , a first annulus  1120 , a second annulus  1130 , and a third annulus  1140 . As best seen in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , when the disconnect mechanism  130  is in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400 , the ring  1110 , the first annulus  1120 , the second annulus  1130 , and the third annulus  1140  are concentrically arranged about the longitudinal axis LA. 
     The ring  1110  of the coupling shaft  1100  is illustratively configured for interaction with at least a portion of the outer shaft  700  (e.g., the body  710 ), at least in some embodiments. In other embodiments, however, the ring  1110  may be configured for interaction with another component, such as the bearing  900 , for example. The ring  1110  is formed to include teeth  1112  at an inner periphery  1114  thereof. In some embodiments, the teeth  1112  are configured for interaction (i.e., direct contact or indirect coupling) with the outer shaft  700  and/or the bearing  900 . The ring  1110  has an outer diameter  1118  measured relative to the longitudinal axis LA. 
     The first annulus  1120  is illustratively arranged axially (e.g., along the longitudinal axis LA) between the ring  1110  and the second annulus  1130 . In the illustrative embodiment, the annulus  1120  has an outer diameter  1122  measured relative to the longitudinal axis LA that is generally equal to the outer diameter  1118  of the ring  1110 . The annulus  1120  is formed to include at least one circumferential groove  1124  at an inner periphery  1126  thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one circumferential groove  1124  is sized to at least partially receive the at least one snap ring  1200 . In such embodiments, the at least one groove  1124  may include two grooves axially spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis LA and sized to receive two snap rings. Furthermore, in some embodiments, throughout operation of the illustrative disconnect mechanism  130  (e.g., in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400 ), the at least one snap ring  1200  is received by the at least one circumferential groove  1124  to secure the annulus  1120  in contact with, and/or in engagement with, the outer diameter OD of the bearing  900 . 
     The second annulus  1130  is illustratively arranged axially between the first annulus  1120  and the third annulus  1140 . In the illustrative embodiment, the annulus  1130  has an outer diameter  1132  measured relative to the longitudinal axis LA that is greater than the outer diameter  1122  of the annulus  1120  and the outer diameter  1118  of the ring  1110 . The annulus  1130  is illustratively devoid of any teeth or grooves at an inner periphery  1134  thereof. 
     The third annulus  1140  is illustratively arranged axially opposite the ring  1110 . In the illustrative embodiment, the annulus  1140  has an outer diameter  1142  measured relative to the longitudinal axis LA that is greater than the outer diameter  1132  of the annulus  1130 . The annulus  1140  is illustratively devoid of any teeth or grooves at an inner periphery  1144  thereof. However, in the illustrative embodiment, the annulus  1140  includes teeth  1146  formed at the outer diameter  1142 . In some embodiments, the annulus  1140  is configured for interaction (i.e., direct contact or indirect coupling) with a component of the driven device  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12   , the at least one snap ring  1200  illustratively includes an arcuate body  1210  extending circumferentially (e.g., about the longitudinal axis LA) between tangs  1212 ,  1214 . The at least one snap ring  1200  illustratively defines a C-shape. Of course, it should be appreciated that the snap ring  1200  may take the shape of other suitable geometric forms. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the at least one snap ring  1200  is sized for at least partial positioning in the at least one circumferential groove  1124  of the coupling shaft  1100  to secure the coupling shaft  1100  to the bearing  900 . In some embodiments, the at least one snap ring  1200  includes two snap rings. In such embodiments, the two snap rings may be axially spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis LA, radially spaced from one another relative to the longitudinal axis LA, or circumferentially spaced from one another about the longitudinal axis LA. However, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the at least one snap ring  1200  may include another suitable number of snap rings. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  13   , the illustrative housing  1300  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, a structure constrained against translation along the longitudinal axis LA in use of the disconnect mechanism  130 . In some embodiments, the housing  1300  may interact with a feature of the driven device  120  (e.g., a mechanical stop) to prevent translation of the housing  1300  along the longitudinal axis LA. Additionally, in some embodiments, the housing  1300  may interact with a feature of the driven device  120  (e.g., a brake) to prevent rotation of the housing  1300  about the longitudinal axis LA. In any case, as indicated above, the housing  1300  illustratively includes the helical slots  1302 ,  1304 . 
     Each of the illustrative helical slots  1302 ,  1304  is defined in the housing  1300  at an inner periphery  1310  thereof. In the illustrative arrangement, similar to the protrusions  702 ,  704  of the outer shaft  700 , the helical slots  1302 ,  1304  of the housing  1300  are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis LA. The slots  1302 ,  1304  extend axially through an end  1312  of the housing  1300  toward an opposite end  1314  of the housing  1300 . Throughout operation of the disconnect mechanism  130  (e.g., in each of the engaged and disengaged states  300 ,  400 ), the end  1312  is located farther away from the lever  500  along the longitudinal axis LA than the end  1314 . The slots  1302 ,  1304  extend at least halfway over an axial length  1316  of the housing  1300  measured between the ends  1312 ,  1314 , at least in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the slots  1302 ,  1304  extend at least three-fourths over the axial length  1316  of the housing  1300 . 
     Returning to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , a method of assembling the illustrative disconnect mechanism  130  may include inserting the biasing element  800  into a passageway  730  formed in the body  710  of the outer shaft  700 . In some embodiments, inserting the biasing element  800  into the passageway  730  may include inserting the element  800  into the passageway  730  such that one end of the biasing element  800  contacts an interior wall  740  of the outer shaft  700 . The interior wall  740  at least partially defines the passageway  730 , at least in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the method may include advancing the inner shaft  600  into the passageway  730  such that the biasing element  800  is at least partially received in a passageway  640  formed in the inner shaft  600  as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . Additionally, in some embodiments, advancing the inner shaft  600  into the passageway  730  may include advancing the inner shaft  600  into the passageway  730  such that the other end of the biasing element  800  contacts inner walls  650  of the inner shaft  600  that at least partially define the passageway  640 . 
     In some embodiments, the method may include coupling the outer shaft  700  to the coupling shaft  1100  as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . Additionally, in some embodiments, coupling the outer shaft  700  to the coupling shaft  1100  may include the following: (i) arranging the outer shaft  700  in contact with the bearing  900  at the inner diameter ID thereof; (ii) securing the locknut  1000  to the outer shaft  700  to constrain the bearing  900  against axial translation; (iii) contacting the bearing  900  with the coupling shaft  700  at the outer diameter OD of the bearing  900 ; and (iv) affixing the outer diameter OD of the bearing  900  to the coupling shaft  1100  using the snap rings  1200 . 
     In some embodiments, the method may include installing the inner shaft  600 , the outer shaft  700 , and the biasing element  800  in the housing  1300  as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . Additionally, in some embodiments, installing the inner shaft  600 , the outer shaft  700 , and the biasing element  800  in the housing  1300  may include installing those components in the housing  1300  such that the protrusions  702 ,  704  are received by the helical slots  1302 ,  1304  and the inner shaft  600 , the outer shaft  700 , and the biasing element  800  are aligned along the longitudinal axis LA. 
     In some embodiments, the method may include retaining axial positions of the inner shaft  600  and the housing  1300  along the longitudinal axis LA using a retaining hub  350  as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . The retaining hub  350  may include an inner flange  352  and an outer flange  354  interconnected with the inner flange  352  that extends radially outward from the inner flange  352 , at least in some embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, the retaining hub  350  may include one or more grooves formed along an inner diameter thereof (e.g., an inner diameter defined by the inner flange  352 ) and one or more grooves formed along an outer diameter thereof (e.g., an outer diameter defined by the outer flange  354 ), and the groove(s) formed along the inner and outer diameters of the hub  350  may each be sized to receive at least one sealing O-ring. Furthermore, in some embodiments still, retaining axial positions of the inner shaft  600  and the housing  1300  along the longitudinal axis LA may include (i) contacting the collar  630  of the inner shaft  600  with the inner flange  352  of the retaining hub  350  and (ii) contacting the housing  1300  with the outer flange  354  of the retaining hub  350 . 
     In some embodiments, the method may include attaching the lever  500  to the inner shaft  600  as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . Additionally, in some embodiments, attaching the lever  500  to the inner shaft  600  may include establishing a mechanical linkage between the lever  500  and the outer shaft  700  such that manual rotation of the lever  500  drives translation of the outer shaft  700 , the bearing  900 , the locknut  1000 , the snap rings  1200 , and the coupling shaft  1100  along the longitudinal axis LA in use of the disconnect mechanism  130 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , following assembly of the illustrative disconnect mechanism  130  as described above, the mechanism  130  may be operated in the engaged state  300  to couple the driving device  110  to the driven device  120 . As suggested above, to place the disconnect mechanism  130  in the engaged state  300 , the lever  500  is arranged in the position  240  and locked in the position  240  using the fastener  260 . When the disconnect mechanism  130  is in the engaged state  300 , the body  710  of the outer shaft  700  is spaced from the collar  630  of the inner shaft  600  along the longitudinal axis LA. 
     To place the disconnect mechanism  130  in the disengaged state  400  and thereby decouple the driving device  110  from the driven device  120 , the fastener  260  is removed to unlock the lever  500  from the position  240 . The lever  500  is then rotated to the position  250  and locked in the position  250  using the fastener  260 . When the disconnect mechanism  130  is in the disengaged state  400 , the collar  630  of the inner shaft  600  abuts the body  710  of the outer shaft  700  and the bearing  900 , the locknut  1000 , the coupling shaft  1100 , and the snap rings  1200  are disposed to the left (i.e., along the longitudinal axis LA) of the positions of those components in the engaged state  300  of the disconnect mechanism  130 . It should be apparent based on the discussion above that movement of the protrusions  702 ,  704  in the helical slots  1302 ,  1304  causes translation of the bearing  900 , the locknut  1000 , the coupling shaft  1100 , and the snap rings  1200  along the longitudinal axis LA with the outer shaft  700 . 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.