Helical Spline Differential for Adjustable Locking Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle differentials fail to effectively adjust differential limiting force during acceleration and deceleration, leading to inconsistent stability, and electronic control solutions complicate the configuration and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle differential with a differential limiting mechanism that includes friction plates, pressing members, and helical splines, allowing for adjustable differential limiting force through opposite force directions during acceleration and deceleration, and a compact design with disc springs for initial torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a helical spline is used in the differential mechanism, then the differential limiting force can be adjusted during acceleration and deceleration, but the configuration becomes more complex and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the differential mechanism and limiting mechanism into a single integrated structure. The limiting mechanism shares common components (side gears, pinion gear, friction plates) with the differential mechanism, eliminating the need for separate limiting devices and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The side gears serve multiple functions: they act as both differential gears that distribute rotation to wheel sides and as limiting mechanism components that interact with friction plates through helical splines. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed, simplifying the overall configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic control is employed to adjust differential limiting force, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The differential limiting mechanism automatically adjusts the limiting force based on the operational state (acceleration or deceleration) through the inherent mechanical properties of the helical splines. The system self-regulates without requiring external sensors, controllers, or electronic systems, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical adjustment mechanism. The helical splines mechanically respond to load conditions and automatically modify the differential limiting force, eliminating the need for electronic controllers, motors, or sensors that would increase manufacturing cost and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the differential limiting mechanism uses multiple friction plates and pressing members, then the differential limiting force can be effectively adjusted, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction plates are arranged in a stacked, nested configuration between the side gears and pressing members. This layered arrangement allows multiple friction interfaces to be compactly integrated within the existing differential mechanism envelope, adjusting limiting force without significantly increasing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plates are arranged axially (in the rotation axis direction) rather than radially, utilizing the axial dimension for force adjustment. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple friction interfaces to be stacked within the existing radial footprint, minimizing increases in differential mechanism size while providing effective limiting force adjustment.
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 differential limiting force can be easily adjusted to improve vehicle stability by reducing or increasing friction force based on acceleration or deceleration, maintaining stability in the yaw direction, and achieving a compact configuration without complex electronics.
Implementation Method 1
an outer circumferential portion of the cylindrical section meshes with an inner circumferential portion of the pressing member via a helical spline
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of friction plates arranged on an opposite side to the pinion gear, with respect to each of the side gears, in the rotation axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle differential includes: a pair of side gears arranged in a differential case; a plurality of friction plates arranged on an axially outer side of respective one of the side gears; and a pressing member that holds the plurality of friction plates together with respective one of the side gears. Each of the side gears has: a gear section that meshes with a pinion gear; and a cylindrical section s that extends from a radially inner portion of the gear section toward an axially side. outer An outer circumferential portion of the cylindrical section meshes with an inner circumferential portion of the pressing member via a helical spline.