Differential Lock with Radial Teeth for Compact Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing differential locks for vehicle differential gearboxes require significant axial and radial space to transmit a desired locking torque, making them bulky and inefficient in design.
Innovation Solution
A compact differential lock design featuring a sliding sleeve coaxially arranged with the drive output shaft, which moves axially to engage radial teeth with a differential cage, optimizing space usage and torque transmission through interlocking splines and a spring element for prestressing, allowing for adjustable locking torque and reduced axial space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If axial-side claws are used to fix the differential housing to the locking collar, then locking torque can be transmitted, but considerable axial and radial fitting space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the direction of the locking teeth from axial to radial orientation. The locking teeth extend radially outward from the locking collar and engage with corresponding radial internal teeth in the differential cage, eliminating the need for axial-side claws and significantly reducing axial fitting space while maintaining locking torque transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking teeth are nested within the structure of the locking collar and differential cage, with the external locking teeth on the locking collar engaging with internal locking teeth in the differential cage. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of the locking mechanism within the existing differential housing space
2Volume of moving object
If radial locking teeth are used on the sliding sleeve and differential cage, then space requirements are reduced, but the design must ensure sufficient locking torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the parameters of the radial locking teeth including their length, thickness, and engagement depth to ensure sufficient locking torque transmission. The external locking teeth on the sliding sleeve are dimensioned to engage with the internal locking teeth in the differential cage with appropriate overlap, creating a mechanically robust connection that transmits high torque in the compact 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
The design achieves a space-saving, effective locking mechanism that transmits a desired locking torque while minimizing axial space, enhancing the gearbox's compactness and acoustic performance.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding sleeve (5) is prestressed by a spring element (12) toward the piston element (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A differential lock for locking compensation movements between drive output shafts (4) in a differential gearbox of a vehicle is disclosed. In the locking condition, at least one of the drive output shafts (4) is connected with interlock to a differential cage (2) connected to a drive input, where a sliding sleeve (5) is arranged coaxially relative to the drive output shaft (4) and connected rotationally fixed to the drive output shaft (4). The sliding sleeve can be moved by means of a piston element (6) in such manner that radial-side external teeth (7) of the sliding sleeve (7) can be brought into engagement with radial-side internal teeth (8) of the differential cage (2). In addition, a differential gearbox with the differential lock is proposed.