Steering Axle Limited Slip Differential for Torque Steer Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles experience torque steer due to uneven torque distribution between drive wheels on the steering axle, which existing technologies have not effectively mitigated.
Innovation Solution
A steering axle equipped with a limited slip differential and a clutch that can selectively operate between two conditions to manage speed differentiation between differential outputs, allowing for the reduction of torque differential and aiding in torque steer mitigation and drifting maneuvers by controlling the clutch based on yaw angle and vehicle states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a limited slip differential with clutch is used to mitigate torque steer, then torque distribution control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the limited slip differential and clutch into a single integrated steering axle assembly. The clutch is positioned within the differential housing and works in conjunction with the differential outputs to control torque distribution. This merging approach achieves torque steer mitigation while consolidating multiple functions into one compact unit, thereby managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The limited slip differential with clutch serves multiple functions: it allows speed differentiation between differential outputs during normal operation, provides torque steer mitigation by controlling torque distribution, and enables drifting maneuvers through controlled torque biasing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, addressing the complexity concern.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clutch operates in second condition to assist drifting maneuvers, then vehicle control capability is improved, but stability during normal operation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch is designed to be selectively operable between two conditions based on vehicle operating state. During normal operation, the clutch remains in first condition to maintain stability. When drifting maneuver is detected through yaw rate and steering angle thresholds, the controller switches the clutch to second condition to enable the maneuver. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between stability and maneuver capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from vehicle sensors (yaw rate, steering angle, wheel speed) to determine when to switch clutch conditions. The controller continuously monitors vehicle state and activates the clutch in second condition only when drifting maneuver criteria are met, ensuring stability during normal operation while enabling controlled drifting when intended.
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
Effectively mitigates torque steer and assists in performing drifting maneuvers by dynamically managing torque distribution between wheels, enhancing vehicle stability and control.
Implementation Method 1
a limited slip differential and a clutch. The clutch is selectively operable between a first condition, which permits speed differentiation between the differential outputs to a predetermined maximum extent and inhibits speed differentiation between the differential outputs to a predetermined minimum extent
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mitigating torque steer in a vehicle having a steering axle with a limited slip differential and a pair of output members. The limited slip differential includes a pair of differential outputs and a clutch. The method includes: operating the limited slip differential with the clutch in the first condition; determining that the vehicle is in a state in which a torque steer condition is occurring or is likely to occur; and operating the clutch to reduce a torque differential between the differential outputs to mitigate the torque steer condition. A vehicle with a steering axle and a controller that is configured to operate a clutch in the steering axle to attenuate torque steer is also provided.