Differential sensor apparatus and method of use
AssigneeDana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
InventorsMichael Z. Creech, Justin S. Davis, Anne M. Adamczyk
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An axle assembly including a differential case and a side gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface disposed in the differential case. The side gear outboard surface defines a first plurality of locking teeth. A locking gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface, wherein the inboard surface includes a second plurality of locking teeth selectively engaged with the first plurality of locking teeth. A biasing member disposed axially between the side gear and the locking gear. An electromagnetic coil disposed adjacent the locking gear. A first inductive sensor for sensing a position of the locking gear.
Claims20
An axle assembly, comprising:
- a differential case;
- a side gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface disposed in said differential case, wherein said outboard surface defines a first plurality of locking teeth;
- a locking gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface, wherein said inboard surface includes a second plurality of locking teeth selectively engaged with said first plurality of locking teeth;
- a biasing member disposed axially between said side gear and said locking gear;
- an electromagnetic coil disposed adjacent said locking gear;
- a first sensor for sensing a position of said locking gear, wherein said first sensor is an inductive sensor;
- a sensor plate coupled with said locking gear, wherein said first sensor senses a position of said sensor plate;
- and
- a second sensor disposed radially inward of said sensor plate, wherein said second sensor is disposed transverse to said sensor plate, and wherein said second sensor is an inductive sensor.
An axle assembly, comprising:
- a differential case;
- a side gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface disposed in said differential case, wherein said outboard surface defines a first plurality of locking teeth;
- a locking gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface, wherein said inboard surface includes a second plurality of locking teeth selectively engaged with said first plurality of locking teeth;
- a biasing member disposed axially between said side gear and said locking gear;
- an electromagnetic coil disposed adjacent said locking gear;
- a first sensor for sensing a position of said locking gear, wherein said first sensor is an inductive sensor;
- a sensor plate coupled with said locking gear, wherein said first sensor senses a position of said sensor plate;
- and
- a second sensor disposed radially inward of said sensor plate.
An axle assembly, comprising:
- a differential case;
- a side gear disposed in said differential case, the side gear having a surface that defines a first plurality of locking teeth;
- a locking gear having a surface that includes a second plurality of locking teeth selectively engaged with said first plurality of locking teeth;
- an electromagnetic coil disposed adjacent said locking gear;
- a sensor plate coupled with said locking gear;
- a first sensor for sensing a position of said sensor plate;
- and
- a second sensor disposed radially inward of said sensor plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.