Open Differentials

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Open Differentials

• By Paul Decarolis
• Objective To discuss the need for differentials
  while distinguishing what an open differential
  is, and how they work.

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Open Differentials

• The Problem
• When a vehicle takes a corner its inner and outer
  wheels follow different paths
• This causes the inner wheels to spin quicker then
  the outer wheels

3
Open Differentials

• The Solution
• A device called a differential is put in place
  in order to distribute the torque and power
  generated by a vehicles engine

4
Open Differentials

• What is an Open Differential?

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Open Differentials

• How They Work
• If a vehicle is moving straight the input pinion
  rotates clockwise while all other pinions stay
  stationary causing both wheels to move at the
  same speed.
• If the vehicle is turning, then once the input
  pinion starts rotating the pinion gears will also
  start to rotate allowing the wheel on the inside
  to rotate faster.

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Open Differentials
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Open Differentials

• Disadvantages
• Differentials deliver equal torque to both
  wheels.
• This can be dangerous when traveling on ice or
  off road.

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In Conclusion

• Open differentials can be very useful when
  helping distribute power and torque to the wheels
  of a vehicle. However, they also have their
  disadvantages which need to be taken into
  account.
• References
• http//auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm
• http//www.rctek.com/general/differentials.html
• http//www.imajeep.com/faq/Diffs_Types.htm