Positive acting differential with multiple pinion pins
US6053073A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19005
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A positive acting differential which automatically connects the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. The positive acting differential includes a ring structure which, for the disengaged wheel, will shift to a position preventing the driver and coupler teeth from engaging in the normal manner, thereby alleviating the noise and harsh operating characteristic known as "cycling" associated with locking types of differentials. A spacer with attached paddles supports multiple pinion pins. The paddles loosely couple the motion of the pinion pins to the ring structure. A preferred and an alternate embodiment are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.