Title: On the kinematic design of differential devices for full time four-wheel-drive vehicles

Authors: Long-Chang Hsieh, Hong-Sen Yan

Addresses: Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Yunlin Polytechnic Institute, Huwei, Yunlin, Taiwan 63208, ROC. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan 70101, ROC

Abstract: According to Ackerman|s principle, the equations of motion of automotive gear differentials, and coupling theorem, we propose a methodology for the conceptual design of differential devices for full time four-wheel-drive vehicles. Based on this design methodology and the concept of train value equations of planetary gear trains, we derive mathematical expressions of train values for the kinematic design of automotive gear differentials. Then, we present new differential devices for full time four-wheel-drive vehicles. These differential devices, which have three degrees of freedom, have the advantage of preventing power loss of vehicles without any locking devices.

Keywords: 4WD vehicles; kinematic design; differential devices; four-wheel-drive vehicles; equations of motion; gear differentials; automotive gears; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1996.061986

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1996 Vol.17 No.2, pp.182 - 197

Published online: 28 May 2014 *

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