On demand vehicle drive system
US5492194A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2500/7109
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary drive shafts, differentials and axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch comprising a primary, cone clutch assembly which functions as a pilot device to actuate a secondary, disc pack clutch assembly. The electromagnetic clutch is controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shaft overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed and other variables, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the second…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.