Control for vehicle differential
US6334832B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/368
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control for a differential for controlling the relative rotation of a pair of axles extended from the differential to a front or rear pair of wheels. An indicator shaft is coupled to the axles, e.g., through a planetary gear arrangement (the indicator shaft being the sun gear) whereby when the axles rotate in unison the ring gear and planet gear set of the planetary gear arrangement are synchronized to not drive the sun gear/indicator shaft. When one axle rotates at a rate different than the other, the sun gear is rotated. A brake mechanism is coupled to the sun gear. A sensor senses the rotational rate as well as the acceleration of the sun gear. A controller is provided to control the braking of the sun gear. Braking of the sun gear will force the axles to rotate in unison.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.