Open Differentials Erwin Noriega Objectives Enhance why differentials

Open Differentials Erwin Noriega

Objectives • Enhance why differentials are required • Present the basic mechanics of an open differential

What Is a Differential? • A device that splits the engine torque two ways, allowing each output or tire to spin at a different speed

Why Do Vehicles Require Differentials? • In a turn, the tires spin at a different rate – Outside tires spin faster compared to the slower inside tires • Without a differential, a heavy stress force would be put on the axle components

Parts of An Open Differential Case Side Gear Ring gear Axle shaft Figure 1 Pinion gears Input pinion

How Do Differentials Work? • Device splits the engine’s torque two ways – Engine power input pinion ring gear – Ring gear case pinion gears – Individual pinion gears inside the case transfer the torque to the tires at different rates allowing to spin at different speeds

Figure 2

Figure 3

Summary • Differentials are needed in order to distribute torque to the tires at different rates in order to avoid axle stresses • Differential works on the basis of gears: – Torque is split by individual pinion gears – Individual pinion gears allow for the tires to spin at different rates

References • http: //media. popularmechanics. com/images/l g_opendiff-lg. jpg • http: //auto. howstuffworks. com/differential. htm