Differential Lock Actuator Assembly for Wear-Resistant Clutch Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing differential lock systems experience increased wear and seizure of components due to the use of a bearing system with an outer and inner race, leading to reduced clutch closing speed and compromised tensile, compressive, and sheer strengths.
Innovation Solution
A differential lock assembly with a piston bearing actuator system where the piston serves as an outer race and the actuator as an inner race, integrated without welds or seams, allowing the bearing system to rotate independently while maintaining axial translation and incorporating a pin to prevent rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bearing system with separate outer and inner races is used, then the piston and actuator can rotate independently, but wear and seizure of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outer race function into the piston body and the inner race function into the actuator body, eliminating separate race components. This integration reduces the number of interfaces where wear can occur while maintaining the independent rotation capability through the bearing assembly positioned between the piston and actuator.
2Ease of operation
If separate outer and inner races are used, then independent rotation is enabled, but clutch closing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the race functions into the piston and actuator bodies rather than using separate race components, the patent reduces the total number of parts and interfaces. This streamlining eliminates delays associated with multiple component interactions, thereby improving clutch closing speed while preserving independent rotation capability.
3Strength
If separate outer and inner races are used, then bearing support is provided, but tensile, compressive, and sheer strengths are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of separate outer and inner races into the piston and actuator bodies respectively. This integration eliminates the need for additional retention features and fasteners that would be required to assemble separate race components, thereby maintaining full tensile, compressive, and sheer strengths without compromising structural integrity.
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 design reduces wear and seizure, enhances clutch closing speed, and maintains structural integrity by eliminating the need for separate races, thus improving the durability and efficiency of the differential lock system.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing assembly including one or more bearings may be positioned radially between piston and the actuator, such that the actuator may rotate freely of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
The piston may be translated hydraulically
Implementation Method 3
The actuator may contact and press against a clutch pack of the clutch to close the clutch
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a differential lock assembly comprising: a differential; a friction pack; and a piston bearing actuator system comprising a piston, a bearing, and an actuator abutting the friction pack, where the piston is an outer race for the bearing and the actuator is an inner race for the bearing. The friction pack may be a disk pack.Further, an axle assembly comprising: a first housing; a first axle shaft; a second axle shaft; and the differential lock assembly. And, the application relates to a method of assembling the differential lock assembly and the piston bearing actuator assembly thereof.