Clutch Differential Casing Layout for Compact Locking Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of an anti-rotated actuator with a rotational clutch in differentials leads to adverse effects on rigidity and size increase, complicating the pursuit of compactness and efficient torque transmission between vehicle axles.
Innovation Solution
A differential design featuring a casing that is axially dividable into two members, with a clutch member axially movable between positions and an actuator coaxial with the boss portion, allowing for compact and rigid torque transmission while minimizing the need for reinforcement, using a differential gear set and a clutch mechanism that enables differential motion between axles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an actuator is added to the differential to actuate the clutch, then the clutch can be controlled to limit or lock differential motion, but the size of the differential increases and compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is nested within the casing structure, utilizing the internal space of the differential housing. The actuator is positioned coaxially with the boss portion and arranged within the chamber defined by the casing, allowing the actuator to be integrated into the existing differential structure rather than adding external components, thereby achieving compact control capability without significant size increase
2Ease of operation
If the actuator is arranged anti-rotated relative to the clutch, then the actuator can effectively control the rotational clutch, but the structural rigidity deteriorates and reinforcement is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is merged with the first member of the casing through coaxial arrangement with the boss portion. The actuator body is integrated into the first member structure, and the plunger is directly connected to the clutch member leg portion, creating a unified load-bearing structure that maintains rigidity while enabling effective clutch control
3Strength
If reinforcement and stiffening are added to maintain rigidity with anti-rotated actuator-clutch arrangement, then structural strength is improved, but the differential size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is segmented into at least a first member and a second member, with the actuator integrated into the first member. This segmentation allows the actuator to be positioned within the chamber defined by the casing members, utilizing existing structural space rather than requiring additional reinforcement that would increase overall size. The leg portion of the clutch member extends through a window in the end wall, creating a compact integrated structure
Data Source
AI summary
A differential with a clutch is provided with: a differential gear set; a dividable casing defining a chamber accommodating the clutch and the differential gear set; a first member of the casing formed in a unitary body and including an end wall having a window penetrating the end wall, a boss portion projecting axially outward from the end wall, a side wall around the axis and a flange extending radially outward for receiving the torque; a second member of the casing fixed with the side wall to close the chamber; an axially movable clutch member axially movable including a leg portion disposed in the window and transmitting the torque from the end wall to the differential gear set; and an actuator having an axially outward offset from the flange and including a plunger abutting on the leg portion and driven axially by the actuator to thrust the clutch member.