Mechatronic differential enhances safety and driving pleasure

The Timken Company has created a torque-bias coupling that enhances safety, vehicle dynamics, traction and handling in all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. Most current designs for torque-bias couplings used in four-wheel drive (4WD) applications are based on wet-plate clutches. The characteristics of the wet-plate clutch depend on the friction coefficient, relative speed, pressure and temperature. The differential assembly developed by Timken consists of magnetic particle clutches mounted in a quasi-state torque-split arrangement with planetary gearing. The torque transfer characteristic is independent of the input/output relative speed. The differential actuation is purely electrical, allowing flexibility in the control algorithms. A torque versus vehicle speed chart can be used to determine the coupling torque requirements. Tests of the torque control strategy were carried out in a vehicle demonstrator. The improved torque control offered by the mechatronic differential in AWD applications was confirmed by vehicle test results.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/16168216
• Authors:
  • GRADU, M
  • HAMILTON, S
• Publication Date: 2005-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 42-5
• Serial:
  • AUTOTECHNOLOGY
  • Volume: 5
  • Publisher: VIEWEG & SOHN VERLAGSGELLSCHAFT MBH
  • ISSN: 1616-8216

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Clutches; Control; Development; Driving; Electronics; Equipment; Four wheel drive; Handling characteristics; Mechanics; Safety; Torsion; Vehicles
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 1323: Clutch; 3874: Control; 9013: Development; 6965: Electronics; 3674: Equipment; 3883: Four wheel drive; 5455: Mechanics; 1665: Safety; 5512: Torsion; 1255: Vehicle; 1646: Vehicle handling
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01024179
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: May 18 2006 8:37AM