Locking Differential Clutch Pack With Thrust Bearing Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking differential gear assemblies in vehicles experience wear and durability issues due to excessive load on bearings from the reaction plate pressing the friction plates, leading to potential power transmission loss and gear damage, necessitating frequent backlash adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The axle driving device incorporates a clutch housing and friction plates that are non-rotatable and axially movable, with a reaction plate pressing the friction plates through a thrust bearing, allowing the pressing force to be received by the axle housing, thereby isolating the differential case and bearings from direct load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reaction plate presses the friction plate through the differential case supported by bearing, then the differential function can be restricted, but high load acts on the rolling elements of the bearing causing wear deterioration and reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
A thrust bearing is introduced as an intermediary component between the reaction plate and the differential case. The reaction plate presses the friction plate through the thrust bearing, which receives and transmits the pressing force separately from the differential case's support bearing. This mediator prevents the high load from acting on the rolling elements of the differential case bearing, thereby resolving the contradiction between differential function restriction and bearing durability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pressing force acts on the bearing through the differential case, then the differential function can be controlled, but the meshing state of the ring gear cannot be properly maintained, increasing power transmission loss and damage possibility
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing serves as a mediator that separates the pressing force transmission path from the differential case's gear meshing path. By receiving the pressing force directly on its own bearing surfaces, the thrust bearing prevents force fluctuations from being transmitted to the ring gear and differential case bearing, thereby maintaining proper meshing state and reducing power transmission loss.
3Extent of automation
If the reaction plate presses the friction plate through the differential case, then the locking mechanism can operate, but frequent backlash adjustment is necessary due to wear and load issues
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing is positioned as an intermediary between the reaction plate and the differential case, carrying the pressing force on its own independent bearing surfaces. This separation protects the differential case bearing from wear and load-induced backlash, allowing the locking mechanism to operate automatically without requiring frequent manual backlash adjustments.
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
This configuration reduces high loads on components, prolongs their service life, and maintains proper gear meshing, minimizing power transmission loss and damage, while enabling smooth operation and enhanced durability.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch housing is disposed opposite to the reaction plate across the first friction plate and the second friction plate so as to face a wall of the axle housing, and a first thrust bearing is disposed therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide an axle driving device with a locking differential gear assembly, wherein the pressing force from the clutch pack does not act on the bearings of a differential case when the differential function is restricted.[Solution] The clutch pack includes a clutch housing, a first friction plate, a second friction plate, and a reaction plate, the clutch housing is engaged with the differential case relatively non-rotatably and axially movably, the friction plates are engaged with an axle and the clutch housing, respectively, relatively non-rotatably and axially movably and in a superposed manner, the reaction plate adjacent to the friction plates can freely press them, and the clutch housing is disposed opposite to the reaction plate to face a wall, and a first thrust bearing is disposed therebetween.