Driver-controlled differential lock control system
US5451188A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/305
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A driver-controlled differential lock control system allows vehicles with automatic, electronic and single range manual transmissions and air pressure actuated differential locking devices to have the vehicle differential thereof locked on only at low speeds. The control system includes a vehicle speed sensor, such as a speedometer transmitter, and a speed switch responsive to the vehicle speed sensor to selectively actuate a normally-closed air solenoid valve disposed in a vehicle air supply line upstream of a manually controlled air valve which supplies the differential lock actuator. The speed switch normally supplies power to the air solenoid valve until the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predefined limit whereat power is discontinued to the air solenoid valve causing disengagement of the differential lock.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.