Over-center Linkage for Automatic Locking Differential Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current differential mechanisms lack efficient mechanisms for engaging and disengaging a locking differential, requiring manual monitoring and alignment of components, which can lead to misalignment and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
An over-center linkage assembly with an actuator, housing, shaft, biasing members, and a locking pin that automatically moves between engagement and disengagement positions, using biasing springs to secure the assembly in either state until actuated, allowing for seamless toggling between locking and unlocking of the differential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and alignment of components is used in current differential mechanisms, then operator control is maintained, but misalignment and inefficient operation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center linkage assembly is designed to automatically engage and disengage the locking differential without operator intervention. The biasing members (springs) automatically return the linkage to the engaged position after actuation, and the over-center mechanism automatically maintains position without requiring continuous monitoring or adjustment by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members are pre-loaded to automatically return the linkage to the engaged position. The over-center design pre-positiones the linkage in stable engaged or disengaged states, eliminating the need for manual alignment during operation.
2Extent of automation
If over-center linkage assembly with biasing members is used, then automatic engagement and disengagement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator, housing, shaft, biasing members, side gear, and locking pin into a single integrated over-center linkage assembly that works together as one cohesive unit. This merging of components achieves automatic engagement while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through functional integration.
3Reliability
If locking pin is biased into engagement with aperture, then reliable locking is achieved, but difficulty in disengagement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center linkage assembly dynamically transitions between two stable states: engaged and disengaged. The biasing members provide continuous force to maintain the engaged state reliably, while the over-center design allows the system to dynamically switch between states through actuation, ensuring easy disengagement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly operates in periodic cycles of engagement and disengagement. The biasing members ensure reliable locking during the engaged phase, while the actuator periodically overcomes this bias to achieve disengagement, creating a reliable periodic operation cycle.
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 assembly ensures reliable and automatic engagement or disengagement of the locking differential, reducing operator intervention and minimizing misalignment issues, maintaining the differential in its intended position until actuated to change states.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of biasing members, a side gear, and a locking pin. The actuator is arranged to move the assembly from a first position to a second position. The housing is coupled to the actuator. The first biasing member biases the housing, and the second biasing member biases the housing and shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes novel apparatus and methods for engaging and disengaging a locking differential. In an embodiment, an assembly for use with a locking differential is provided. The assembly includes an actuator, a housing, a shaft, a pair of biasing members, a side gear, and a locking pin. The actuator is arranged to move the assembly from a first position to a second position. The housing is coupled to the actuator. The first biasing member biases the housing, and the second biasing member biases the housing and shaft. The side gear includes an aperture for engaging the locking pin. The locking pin is coupled to the shaft such that the biasing of the shaft determines whether the locking pin is biased into engagement with the aperture or out of engagement with the aperture.