Braking system and method for a vehicle
AssigneeBombardier Recreational Products Inc.
InventorPierre Poulin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vehicle comprises a plurality of wheels is supported by a frame. At least one of the plurality of wheels is operatively connected to an engine for propelling the vehicle. A limited slip differential is supported by the frame. A first half-shaft and a second half-shaft are operatively connected to the limited slip differential. The first half-shaft supports a first wheel of the plurality of wheels. The second half-shaft supports a second wheel of the plurality of wheels. A brake is operatively connected to the limited slip differential. The brake selectively exerts a braking torque on the first and second wheels via at least one portion of the limited slip differential to reduce the speed of the vehicle. A method of operating a vehicle is also described.
Claims17
A vehicle comprising:
- a frame;
- a seat disposed on the frame for supporting one or more riders;
- an engine supported by the frame;
- a plurality of wheels supported by the frame, at least one of the plurality of wheels being operatively connected to the engine for propelling the vehicle;
- a steering device disposed generally forwardly of the seat and operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of wheels for steering the vehicle;
- a limited slip differential supported by the frame;
- a first half-shaft and a second half-shaft operatively connected to the limited slip differential,
- the first half-shaft supporting a first wheel of the plurality of wheels;
- and
- the second half-shaft supporting a second wheel of the plurality of wheels;
- and
- a brake operatively connected to the limited slip differential, the brake selectively exerting a braking torque on the first and second wheels via at least one portion of the limited slip differential to reduce the speed of the vehicle.
A method of operating a vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
- a first wheel and a second wheel;
- a limited slip differential operatively connected to and disposed between the first wheel and the second wheel;
- and
- a brake operatively connected to the limited slip differential such that at least a portion of the limited slip differential is operatively disposed between the brake and each of the first and second wheels,
- the method comprising:
- determining whether the brake is actuated;
- determining a difference in rotational speed between the first wheel and the second wheel;
- when the brake is actuated, increasing a degree of engagement of the limited slip differential in response to the difference in rotational speed being greater than a first threshold;
- and
- reducing the speed of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.