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

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

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

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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 g_opendiff-lg.jpghttp://media.popularmechanics.com/images/l g_opendiff-lg.jpg