Open Differentials

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Open Differentials

• Erwin Noriega

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

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

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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

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Parts of An Open Differential
Case
Side Gear
Ring gear
Axle shaft
Pinion gears
Input pinion
Figure 1
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How Do Differentials Work?

• Device splits the engines 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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Figure 2
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Figure 3
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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

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References

• http//media.popularmechanics.com/images/lg_opendi
  ff-lg.jpg
• http//auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm