Variable pressure relief system for hydraulically actuated limited slip differentials
US6183387A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/423
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to hydraulically actuated limited slip differentials. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hydraulic limited slip differential which utilizes a variable pressure relief check valve used to vary the maximum hydraulic pressure available within the differential case in a manner that the limited slip feature can be adjusted anywhere between a full "ON" and a full "OFF" configuration. Hydraulic fluid will not flow through the check valve until the hydraulic pressure within the case results in a reaction force larger than the check valve activation pressure, thus providing a maximum pressure limit in the hydraulic system. The activation pressure of the check valve can be selectively controlled by an actuator. The movement of the actuator corresponds to a change the retaining force of the check valve. Dynamic control of the system in response to vehicle operational parameters may also be performed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.