Why do you need an inter-wheel differential?

The role and importance of the inter-wheel differential in cars

Why do you need an inter-wheel differential? The inter-wheel differential is one of the key components of modern cars. Which plays a critical role in their operation. This mechanism provides efficient transmission of torque to each of the wheels. And also allows the car to be driven more easily and safely. Below, we will look at what exactly the inter-wheel differential is needed for and how it functions.

Why do you need an inter-wheel differential – Torque transmission

One of the main functions of the wheel differential is the distribution of torque between the wheels. In a car transmission, the torque is generated by the engine and transmitted to the wheels through the transmission system. However, when the car moves around a corner, the wheels located on the outer and inner radii of the curve must turn at different speeds. The inter-wheel differential allows this to be done by adjusting the rotation speed of each wheel. It provides optimal torque distribution to avoid wheel spin and ensure vehicle stability and handling.

Why do you need an inter-wheel differential – Increasing stability and controllability

The inter-wheel differential also plays a key role in improving the vehicle’s stability and handling. When driving on uneven or slippery surfaces, the wheels may lose traction or slip. The differential mechanism allows you to compensate for these differences in the speed of rotation of the wheels. Helping the car to maintain stability and control, even in difficult road conditions.

Why do you need an inter-wheel differential – Protection against damage

In addition, the inter-wheel differential performs the function of protection against damage to the car’s transmission system. It allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds without overstressing or overheating the parts. Which can occur when the wheels are completely locked.

Conclusion – Why do you need an inter-wheel differential

The inter-wheel differential is an integral part of any modern car, which ensures efficient transmission of torque, increases the stability and controllability of the vehicle, and protects the transmission system from damage. Without this important mechanism, the car would not be able to function effectively on the road, especially in different road conditions and when driving around corners.

There are several types of inter-wheel differentials, each of which has its own characteristics and applications. Let’s consider some of them:

Mechanical (toothed) differential

A mechanical differential is the most common type and is based on a gear system. It consists of gears and bearings that allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds during cornering. However, this type of differential may have limited ability to compensate for significant differences in wheel speed, especially in very difficult road conditions.

Electronically controlled differential (EDC)

An electronically controlled differential is used in more modern cars and usually provides a more precise and efficient distribution of torque between the wheels. This type of differential uses an electronic control system that adjusts the amount of power sent to each wheel for optimal traction and handling.

Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

A limited-slip differential is another type that allows you to limit the amount of slip between the wheels on the same axle. This helps to provide better traction and stability on the road, especially when cornering or when driving on uneven surfaces. LSD can be mechanical or hydraulic, and can also be used in sports cars to improve driving dynamics.

Torsenovsky (Torsen) differential

The Thorsen differential uses a system with a large number of small gears that interact with each other during rotation. This type of differential allows you to distribute the torque between the wheels with high precision and efficiency, providing excellent handling and stability of the car on the road.

Each of these types of inter-wheel differentials has its advantages and disadvantages and can be used depending on the specific needs and characteristics of the vehicle.

The inter-wheel differential (ICD) is a complex mechanical system that is usually located in the front or rear of a car transmission. It is responsible for the distribution of torque between the wheels of the car and allows them to rotate at different speeds.

Let’s consider the general principle of the structure of the inter-wheel differential:

Main components:

Corps

The housing of the inter-wheel differential acts as a wrapper that holds all the internal parts in place and protects them from external influences.

Toothed gears

The central element of the MKD is the toothed gears. They provide torque transmission from the input shaft to the output shafts, which are connected to the wheel shafts.

Bearings

Bearings are installed in the housing to ensure free rotation of gears and shafts.

Satellites and a half toothed gear

These components are responsible for transmitting motion from the gears to the output shafts. The satellites are connected to the output shafts leading to the wheels and move under the influence of torque.

Crown toothed gears

Crown gears are located in the center of the MKD and play an important role in the distribution of torque between the output shafts. They can rotate around an axis, which allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds.

Working principle:

When the car is moving straight, the gears rotate at the same speed and the torque is distributed evenly between the output shafts. However, when driving around corners or on uneven roads. The wheels must turn at different speeds. In this case, the crown gears are free to rotate, allowing the satellites to travel on the gears and compensate for the difference in wheel speed.

The inter-wheel differential is a key component that ensures the stability and handling of the vehicle. Especially when driving around corners and on rough roads.

The differential lock is a mechanism that ensures the forced connection of the output shafts of the inter-wheel differential. Which allows both wheels on the same axle to rotate at the same speed. This is designed to overcome the problem where one of the wheels loses traction. For example on slippery or uneven surfaces.

What is a differential lock

How the differential lock works:

Normal operation. Under normal conditions, the inter-wheel differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds when cornering or on uneven road surfaces. This reduces stress on the transmission system and improves handling.

Differential lock. In cases where one of the wheels begins to slip, the differential lock can be activated to force the MCD output shafts to engage. This makes both wheels on the axle rotate at the same speed, regardless of road conditions. This provides better traction and stability of the car in conditions of limited traction on one of the wheels.

Types of differential lock:

Mechanical Locking. It uses mechanical mechanisms, such as locking gears or detents, that lock the MKD output shafts together.

Electronic Lock. It uses an electronic control system that can automatically activate or deactivate the differential lock depending on road conditions and driver activity.

A differential lock allows you to increase the traction and stability of the vehicle in conditions of limited traction on one of the wheels, making it a useful mechanism for improving handling and safety on the road.