Differential Lock Actuation Using Torque Gradient
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for actuating interwheel differential locks in off-road vehicles do not adequately ensure operational reliability, particularly during wheel slip conditions, leading to potential reduced maneuverability and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
The method incorporates the use of input rotational speed, accelerator pedal position, and transmission input torque to control the differential lock, including the gradient of these parameters to differentiate between normal acceleration and wheel slip, allowing for automated and reliable operation, with optional use of steering angle sensors to adjust lock settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the differential lock is actuated based only on driving speed and acceleration, then the system responds quickly to wheel slip, but unnecessary activation occurs during normal acceleration reducing maneuverability and increasing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters (accelerator pedal position, transmission input torque, drive output speed) and uses feedback loops to distinguish between normal acceleration and actual wheel slip conditions. The gradient of transmission input torque serves as a feedback signal to determine whether lock activation is necessary, preventing false activation during normal driving maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters used for lock actuation from simple speed and acceleration thresholds to a multi-parameter analysis including accelerator pedal position, transmission input torque gradient, and drive output speed. This parameter expansion allows the system to differentiate between normal acceleration patterns and genuine wheel slip conditions.
2Reliability
If the differential lock activates during normal acceleration to prevent wheel slip, then wheel slip is reduced, but wear increases and maneuverability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses continuous feedback from torque gradient sensors and accelerator pedal position sensors to monitor driving conditions. By analyzing the rate of change of transmission input torque rather than just absolute values, the system can distinguish between normal acceleration (where torque increases smoothly) and wheel slip conditions (where torque gradient patterns differ), activating the lock only when necessary to prevent wear.
3Reliability
If multiple parameters are monitored to distinguish normal acceleration from wheel slip, then operational reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to serve multiple functions using the same sensor infrastructure: it monitors accelerator pedal position for both throttle management and wheel slip detection, uses transmission input torque for both performance optimization and differential lock control decisions, and tracks drive output speed for both efficiency and slip prevention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of actuating an interwheel differential lock of a mobile vehicle. The interwheel differential lock is actuated to engage depending on the speed of the vehicle, the accelerator pedal position and the gradient of the torque at the transmission output.