Multi-function differential assembly

A multi-function differential (MFD) assembly, comprising:

• a differential case;
• a differential gear assembly disposed in the differential case;
• a mechanical limited slip differential (mLSD) clutch assembly disposed in the differential case;
• and
• an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) clutch assembly disposed in the differential case,
• wherein the mLSD clutch assembly is configured to provide the MFD assembly with mLSD functionality, and the eLSD clutch assembly is configured to provide the MFD assembly with eLSD functionality, and
• wherein the MFD assembly is configured to operate in the following modes:
• (i) an ‘mLSD’ mode where the eLSD clutch assembly is not actuated and the MFD assembly operates as a differential with torque sensing mLSD;
• (ii) an ‘mLSD with preload’ mode where the eLSD clutch assembly is actuated to provide a fixed amount of torque to the mLSD clutch assembly, which fixed torque is subsequently torque multiplied by the mLSD clutch assembly;
• (iii) an ‘eLSD Variable’ mode where the eLSD clutch assembly is actuated and modulated to provide a variable amount of torque to the mLSD clutch assembly, which variable torque is subsequently torque multiplied by the mLSD clutch assembly;
• and
• (iii) an ‘eLSD Lock’ mode where the eLSD clutch assembly is actuated to a maximum torque such that the mLSD clutch assembly and the eLSD clutch assembly together generate a predetermined holding torque that enables the MFD assembly to function as a locking differential.