Miniaturized Differential Locking Mechanism with Offset Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing differential mechanism restricting devices are large in size and increase vehicle weight due to the need for separate operation elements for locking and unlocking, which is not suitable for applications requiring reduced vehicle weight and miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

A miniaturized differential mechanism restricting device is designed with a first and second slide member, first and second rotary shafts, and offset arms, allowing for compact arrangement and operation by two distinct operation elements without interference, enabling differential locking and unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate operation elements are provided for locking and unlocking the differential mechanism, then the differential gear can be locked for both driving and parking purposes, but the device size and vehicle weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferential locking functionalityVSAvoiddifferential gear weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate operation elements into a single integrated operation element that can perform both differential locking and unlocking operations. The operation element includes a first operating portion for locking and a second operating portion for unlocking, allowing both functions to be controlled by one component rather than two separate components, thereby reducing device size and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single operation element is designed to serve multiple functions: it can lock the differential mechanism for driving purposes and also lock it for parking purposes. By making the operation element universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate operation elements, thus reducing the overall size and weight of the differential gear assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferential locking functionalityVSAvoiddifferential gear size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate operation elements into one integrated operation element with distinct operating portions. This consolidation reduces the spatial requirements of the differential mechanism restricting device, allowing it to be mounted on the differential case without occupying excessive space in the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation element is designed with a nested structure where the first and second operating portions are arranged concentrically or in a space-efficient manner. The first operating portion and second operating portion are positioned such that they occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces, minimizing the overall footprint of the operation element while maintaining both locking and unlocking functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If two separate operation elements are provided, then independent locking control is achieved, but mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent locking controlVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control mechanisms for locking and unlocking into a single operation element with distinct operating portions. This merging approach maintains independent control capability while reducing mechanical complexity by eliminating the need for two separate operation elements and their associated mounting structures, linkages, and fastening members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8986152B2Differential mechanism restricting device

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A miniaturized differential mechanism restricting device that is mechanically connected to two operation elements. A plurality of holes are formed in an output-side cam, and pin holes are formed in a differential case in a penetrating manner such that the pin holes overlap with the plurality of holes. A plurality of first pins, which pass through the pin holes in a penetrating manner and are fitted in the holes, extend from a first slide member, and a plurality of second pins, which pass through the pin holes in a penetrating manner and are fitted in the holes, extend from a second slide member. The first slide member is moved in the axial direction by a first shift fork, and the second slide member is moved in the axial direction by a second shift fork.