Differential Actuator Spring for Selective Torque Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driveline components, such as differentials, face challenges in uniformly transmitting torque to wheels with varying traction conditions, leading to undesired vehicle performance due to differential wheel spin rates.
Innovation Solution
A driveline component featuring an actuator with a solenoid coil and a plunger, coupled with a biasing component including a retainer and annular spring, allows for selective locking and unlocking of the differential by moving between coupled and uncoupled positions, ensuring uniform torque transmission across wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a differential is used to allow wheels to spin at different rates, then the driveline can accommodate varying wheel speeds, but torque cannot be uniformly transmitted to wheels with different traction
Solution Approach 1:
The differential locking mechanism dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on traction conditions. When traction is sufficient, the differential remains unlocked to allow wheel speed differentiation. When traction is insufficient, the mechanism locks the differential to ensure uniform torque distribution, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the differential from a fixed unlocked state to a variable state that can be locked or unlocked. By controlling the locking mechanism through sensors and actuators, the system adjusts the torque distribution parameter in real-time based on detected traction conditions, ensuring both wheel speed accommodation and uniform torque transmission when needed.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to lock the differential, then torque can be transmitted uniformly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differential locking system incorporates sensors that automatically detect wheel slip conditions and trigger the locking mechanism without manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and activating the locking function only when necessary, reducing the need for complex control systems while maintaining reliable torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical locking mechanisms with an integrated system that uses electronic sensors and actuators to control the locking function. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity by using electronic control signals to actuate the locking mechanism, thereby achieving reliable torque transmission with a simpler overall system architecture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spring radially inner and outer surfaces contact other components, then the spring is constrained, but interference with spring movement and operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is positioned in a radial dimension where its inner and outer surfaces do not contact other components, allowing axial movement freedom. The spring is constrained axially by the actuator body and retainer, while maintaining radial clearance. This dimensional separation resolves the contradiction by providing stability in the axial direction through mechanical constraints while preserving movement freedom in the radial direction.
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 enables reliable torque distribution to all wheels, enhancing vehicle performance by allowing differential locking and unlocking based on traction conditions, thereby improving drivetrain efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes a solenoid coil and a plunger driven by a force produced by the coil
Implementation Method 2
a plunger driven by a force produced by the coil, and wherein the plunger engages a first face of the body
Implementation Method 3
the spring is contacted by the body during at least a portion of the movement of the body to provide a biasing force on the body
Implementation Method 4
The biasing component has a retainer and a spring, the spring is fixed to the retainer on one side of the spring and the spring is contacted by the body
Data Source
AI summary
A driveline component includes a housing, a first rotating component and a second rotating component, an actuator and a biasing component. The actuator has a body coupled to the first rotating component, the actuator drives the body relative to the second rotating component, and the body is movable between a first position in which the body is not coupled with the second rotating component and a second position in which the body is coupled with the second rotating component. The biasing component has a retainer and a spring, the retainer is in contact with a stop surface that limits movement of the retainer, the spring is fixed to the retainer on one side of the spring and the spring is contacted by the body during at least a portion of the movement of the body to provide a biasing force on the body.