Differential system and method for operation of a differential system
AssigneeDana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
InventorsPerry M. Paielli, Michael Z. Creech, Sagar B. Bangar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems for a locking differential are provided. The locking differential system includes an electromagnetic solenoid actuator designed to induce locking and unlocking of the differential and a circuit board assembly designed to programmatically control the locking and unlocking functionality. The circuit board assembly includes a sensor and control circuity enclosed in a continuous sealed enclosure, the sensor extends down the face of a coil assembly in the solenoid.
Claims18
A differential system, comprising:
- a circuit board assembly directly coupled to a coil assembly in an electromagnetic solenoid actuator, the circuit board assembly comprising executable instructions stored in non-transitory memory that cause the circuit board assembly to:
- selectively lock and unlock speed differentiation between a pair of axle shafts based on signals from a sensor included in the circuit board assembly;
- and
- periodically place control circuitry in the circuit board assembly in a lower power consuming state for a duration which is less than a duration of the lock or the unlock speed differentiation.
A differential system, comprising:
- a solenoid actuator comprising a coil assembly and a piston, the solenoid actuator selectively locking and unlocking axle shaft speed differentiation;
- a sealed housing enclosing a circuit board assembly comprising control circuitry and a sensor;
- a housing at least partially enclosing the coil assembly and the piston, the housing comprising a cut-out in an outer surface that mates with the sealed housing, the mating of the housing and the sealed housing fluidically seals the solenoid actuator within the mated housing and sealed housing.
A differential system, comprising:
- a solenoid actuator including a coil assembly and a piston, and the solenoid actuator configured to selectively induce locking and unlocking of axle shaft speed differentiation;
- a circuit board assembly enclosed in a sealed housing and comprising control circuitry and a sensor;
- and
- a housing at least partially circumferentially enclosing the coil assembly and the piston, and the housing comprising a cut-out in a radially outer circumferential surface that mates with the sealed housing to seal an interior of the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.