Gary T Peloquin

US Patent:

48153370, Mar 28, 1989

Filed:

Oct 19, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/109320

Inventors:

Gary T. Peloquin - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

F16H 144

US Classification:

74711

Abstract:

A differential assembly for a motorized vehicle and method of construction are disclosed, the assembly including a lock ring secured around each of a pair of differential shafts for providing a spring lock permitting each shaft and road wheel to turn with a differential housing when driven by a ring gear, the lock ring structure and method of construction evenly distribute the acceleration torque to both differential shafts simultaneously for improving traction, the lock ring being circular and tapered, and including a straight, split separation orthogonal to the circumference of the circular lock ring for providing the spring-like lock, and a plurality of radial grooves for channeling lubrication. The method of construction permits the differential shafts to be constantly locked to the differential housing or the differential cover, respectively, until a specified torque difference is exceeded, permitting one of the differential shafts to break the spring-like lock providing substantial independency between the wheels.