Ball screw actuated differential lock

An apparatus for applying a load to a clutch pack system in a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

• a motor having a shaft for providing torque;
• a gearset interfacing with said shaft;
• a ball screw mechanism linked to said gearset, said ball screw mechanism including a ball screw having a helically extending retention groove and a land, and said ball screw mechanism including a ball nut having a ball nut path and land on the inner face of said ball nut, said ball nut including a return passage and said ball nut being threadably mounted to said ball screw and defining a pathway extending from a first end of said ball nut to a second end of said ball nut, said pathway capturing a plurality of spherical balls between said ball nut and said ball screw, said plurality of balls configured for circulation through said return passage and around a portion of said helically extending retention groove;
• a thrust bearing axially interfaced with said ball nut;
• a load ring movable by said thrust bearing;
• and
• a plurality of pins extending from said load ring in an axial direction for applying a load to said clutch pack system.