Axle Differential Clutch Control for Traction and Shaft Wear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular axle devices for wheel loaders face challenges in adjusting differential torque effectively, leading to issues such as wheel slippage on smooth surfaces and excessive wear on axle shafts due to inappropriate torque distribution, which increases costs and reduces the lifespan of components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular axle device with a differential mechanism that includes a hollow differential body, rotating discs, non-rotating discs, a pressure ring, and a lever member, where the engaging reaction force from the pinion gear is transmitted to reduce differential torque mechanically, allowing for adjustable torque distribution without the need for complex sensors or control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the differential torque is set to be small for pavement surface travel, then the wheel loader can travel smoothly on paved surfaces, but the drive wheel tends to slip easily on low-friction surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable limited slip differential device that dynamically adjusts the differential torque based on operating conditions. The friction clutch engagement force varies with drive torque magnitude, allowing the system to transition from a locked state (high differential torque limitation) during low-speed high-torque operations to a free-differential state (low differential torque limitation) during high-speed low-torque operations, thereby optimizing both pavement travel and low-friction surface performance
2Reliability
If the differential torque is set to be large for low-friction surface travel, then the drive wheel maintains good traction, but the axle shaft experiences excessive loads and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The variable limited slip differential device dynamically controls the friction clutch engagement based on real-time drive torque conditions. During low-speed high-torque operations, the clutch engages strongly to limit differential torque and protect the axle shaft from excessive loads. During high-speed low-torque operations, the clutch engagement is reduced, allowing normal differential operation and preventing unnecessary wear, thereby extending axle shaft lifetime while maintaining traction when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable limited slip differential device with actuator and friction clutch is used to adjust differential torque, then the differential torque can be optimized for different traveling states, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating variable limited slip differential device where the friction clutch automatically adjusts its engagement force in response to drive torque variations. The clutch engagement is controlled by a spring force that is modulated by the reaction force from the differential gears, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems. This self-service mechanism achieves adaptive differential torque optimization while maintaining simple construction and low cost
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution extends the lifespan of axle shafts by mechanically reducing differential torque in response to increasing drive torque, enhancing traction and reducing wear, while simplifying the system and lowering costs by eliminating the need for predictive sensors and hydraulic control circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a lever member (53) disposed between the differential case (23), the right side gear (35) and the pressure ring (43), the lever member (53) transmitting a reaction force due to the engagement between the pinion gear (33) and the right side gear (35) to the pressure ring (43) to control the load to be applied to the pressure ring (43) from the actuator (46)
Data Source
AI summary
A differential case (23) is therein provided with a plurality of rotating discs (38) that are spline coupled to an outer peripheral side of a right side gear (35), and a plurality of non-rotating discs (39) that are arranged between the respective rotating discs (38). A pressure ring (43) is disposed between a right retainer (41) and the rotating disc (38). The right retainer (41) is provided with a piston (46) that applies a load to the pressure ring (43) to bring the rotating discs (38) and the non-rotating discs (39) into frictional contact. A lever member (53) is disposed between the differential case (23), the right side gear (35) and the pressure ring (43). The lever member (53) transmits a reaction force due to the engagement between the pinion gear (33) and the right side gear (35) to the pressure ring (43) to control a load to be applied to the pressure ring (43) from the piston (46).