Differential Gears

At the heart of the differential is a set of four differential gears, also known as bevel gears: Two side gears that connect to the left and right axles and two pinions that transmit torque between the side gears. The Forged PM technology enables smaller, high-efficiency differentials with weight savings and superior material performance, especially for eDrive gearboxes and for eDrive AWD power transfer units.

A differential is a gear unit that takes input speed from the transmission and converts it to a direction and RPM that the drive wheels may use. Modern differential gear is typically composed of a hypoid set coupled to a side (bevel) gear, which engages a differential (bevel) gear and an opposite side bevel gear. The differential pinion provides additional reduction and allows the opposite axle to become engaged. For a typical differential, the outer wheel rotates faster than the inner wheel when navigating a turn. This is necessary to cover the extra distance the outer wheel encounters during the same period as the inner wheel. There are typically three types of differential gears:

• Open (as shown above)
• Limited slip contains a clutch allowing power to shift between the left and right side of the same axle when the drive wheel slips.
• Torque Vectoring - the newest differential design, featuring electronic controls and sensors to direct power to the wheel(s) with traction.

All three types of differentials are found in today’s mobile and heavy-duty equipment market.