Brake based viscous coupling alternative vehicle differential
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsMichael E. Caporali, William C. Craig, Richard S. Stevens
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vehicle and a method for mechanical decoupling of front and rear wheels and left and right wheels of a vehicle by mechanically decoupling the left and right wheels, while controlling the braking to maintain proper wheel speed during vehicle maneuvers.
Claims17
In a vehicle having front and rear wheels and left and right wheels, the improvement comprising a mechanical decoupling assembly for the drive axles from left to right and a brake based control assembly cooperating therewith to maintain proper wheel speed during vehicle maneuvers.
A method for mechanical decoupling of front and rear wheels and left and right wheels of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
- a. mechanically decoupling of the left and right wheels, while
- b. controlling the braking to maintain proper wheel speed during vehicle maneuvers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.