Locking Angle Gearbox for Adaptive Front Torque Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional differentials fail to optimally distribute torque between front wheels in varying traction conditions, compromising traction, handling, and surface protection, especially in off-road and low-traction scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A locking differential system that includes a torque transfer assembly, a ring gear, and actuated connection drive assemblies to selectively lock or disconnect torque between the driveline and wheels, allowing for adaptive torque distribution through manual or automatic configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard differential is used, then torque is sent to the wheel encountering least resistance, but very little torque can be applied to the wheel with higher traction when one wheel is on low traction surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a limited slip differential mechanism that dynamically adjusts torque distribution between wheels based on traction conditions. The differential allows continuous variation in torque transfer, enabling the system to adapt between open differential behavior (when both wheels have traction) and torque biasing (when one wheel has reduced traction), thus resolving the contradiction between steering ease and traction capability.
2Reliability
If both wheels are locked together, then maximum torque transfer to the wheel with greatest traction is ensured, but handling and steering labor are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The limited slip differential provides dynamic torque distribution that prevents complete locking of both wheels while still ensuring adequate torque transfer to the wheel with greatest traction. The mechanism continuously adjusts the torque split based on the differential force generated by wheel speed differences, maintaining both traction capability and steering ease unlike a fully locked differential.
3Ease of operation
If torque is disconnected from both front wheels, then handling and steering are maximized, but torque transfer to wheels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The limited slip differential maintains continuous torque transfer capability to both wheels through its inherent differential mechanism, while still allowing for dynamic torque biasing when needed. The design enables the system to operate in multiple modes including normal torque distribution, limited slip torque biasing, and potential disconnection modes, optimizing both steering responsiveness and torque transfer based on operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking angle gear box is provided. The locking angle gear box includes a torque transfer assembly, a ring gear, at least one connection drive assembly and an actuator. The torque transfer assembly is configured to communicate torque between the torque transfer assembly and a pair of outputs to halfshafts. The ring gear is rotationally supported on the torque transfer assembly. The ring gear is configured to transfer torque between at least a portion of a driveline and the torque transfer assembly. The at least one connection drive assembly is configured to selectively lock rotation of the torque transfer assembly with the rotation of the ring gear to selectively couple torque between the torque transfer assembly and the ring gear. The actuator is in communication with the at least one connection drive assembly to selectively manipulate the at least one connection drive assembly.