Differential Lock Controller Speed and Gear Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicles lack an efficient mechanism to control differential locking based on wheel speed and transmission gear, leading to potential damage and performance issues during differential locking operations.

Innovation Solution

A differential lock controller system that monitors wheel speed and transmission gear to selectively lock or unlock the differential, inhibiting locking above a threshold speed or in certain transmission gears, and facilitates movement between locked and unlocked positions based on these conditions, ensuring safe and effective operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the differential lock is allowed to engage at any wheel speed, then the operator has maximum control over differential locking, but the differential and drivetrain components are at risk of damage from excessive stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferential lock controlVSAvoiddifferential lock durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the differential lock by monitoring wheel speed and transmission gear state, only permitting engagement when speed is below a threshold and gear is in first gear, thus preventing damage while maintaining operational control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors wheel speed and transmission gear state, using this feedback to determine whether conditions are appropriate for differential lock engagement, automatically preventing operation under unsafe conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the differential lock is permitted to engage during high wheel speed, then the vehicle can maintain traction at higher speeds, but excessive stress damages the differential and drivetrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle traction capabilityVSAvoidstress on differential

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a speed threshold parameter that must be exceeded before differential lock engagement is permitted, and a gear state parameter that restricts engagement to first gear only, thereby controlling stress while managing traction capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the differential lock can engage in any transmission gear, then the system is more versatile, but engagement in higher gears causes harmful stress and performance issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferential lock compatibilityVSAvoiddrivetrain stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters by restricting differential lock engagement to first gear only, using transmission gear state as a control parameter to prevent harmful stress while maintaining appropriate versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8790217B1Vehicles including differential lock controller and methods

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle includes a differential, a lock and a differential lock controller. The lock is associated with the differential and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The differential lock controller is configured to selectively facilitate movement of the lock between the locked and unlocked positions.