Control of locking differential
US9382992B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/204
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A locking differential includes a dog clutch configured to selectively couple a carrier to an axle shaft in response to magnetic forces generated by electrical current in a coil. A method of operating the differential is adapted to avoid failed engagement attempts that could potentially damage the dog clutch. If a driver commands engagement of the locking feature while a differential speed, a controller waits to command engagement of the dog clutch until the differential speed decreases below a threshold. The controller measures or infers a temperature of the differential fluid and adjusts the threshold to higher values when the temperature is cold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.