BigPatents India

An electronically controlled front wheel drive limited slip differential assembly that is designed to allow an operator to manually or automatically control the limited slip function. The differential control and actuation assembly is located external to the front transaxle and differential case. The assembly includes an electric solenoid that modulates hydraulic pressure produced by a gerotor pump. When the limited slip differential control is in the ON position, hydraulic pressure produced by the gerotor pump engages a friction clutch pack, which couples the differential case to the front axle output shaft. When the limited slip function is in the OFF position, the electrical solenoid does not allow the gerotor pump to generate sufficient hydraulic pressure to actuate the clutch pack. When the differential control is in an intermediate position, the specific control setting, and the rotational speed of the front axle output shaft relative to the rotational speed of the differential case determine differential engagement. In addition to the ability to manually control the limited slip function, a computer processor/logic unit can also electronically control the function.