Automated inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method
First Claim
1. An inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method for a vehicle having a tandem drive axle, comprising:
- providing a clutch locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential for a vehicle, said clutch locking mechanism having a first set of teeth in a fixed position and a second set of teeth on a sliding clutch;
locating a speed sensor such that when said clutch mechanism is disengaged the sensor measures a speed of said sliding clutch, and when said clutch mechanism is fully engaged the sensor measures zero speed even though said sliding clutch continues to rotate;
providing a speed of said vehicle from a vehicle data link; and
using said speed sensor speed and said vehicle speed to determine status of clutch engagement.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to an automatic inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method for a vehicle having a tandem drive axle. The inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method comprises providing a clutch locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential for a vehicle, the clutch locking mechanism having a first set of teeth in a fixed position and a second set of teeth on a sliding clutch, locating a speed sensor such that when the clutch mechanism is disengaged the sensor measures a speed of the sliding clutch, and when the clutch mechanism is fully engaged the sensor measures zero speed even though the sliding clutch continues to rotate, providing a speed of the vehicle from a vehicle data link, and using the speed sensor-speed and the vehicle speed to determine status of clutch mechanism engagement.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. An inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method for a vehicle having a tandem drive axle, comprising:
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providing a clutch locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential for a vehicle, said clutch locking mechanism having a first set of teeth in a fixed position and a second set of teeth on a sliding clutch; locating a speed sensor such that when said clutch mechanism is disengaged the sensor measures a speed of said sliding clutch, and when said clutch mechanism is fully engaged the sensor measures zero speed even though said sliding clutch continues to rotate; providing a speed of said vehicle from a vehicle data link; and using said speed sensor speed and said vehicle speed to determine status of clutch engagement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method comprising:
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providing a clutch locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential for a vehicle, said clutch locking mechanism having a helical gear with a set of teeth in a fixed position and a sliding clutch with a set of teeth; locating a speed sensor such that when said clutch mechanism is disengaged the sensor measures a speed of said sliding clutch, and when said clutch mechanism is fully engaged the sensor measures zero speed even though said sliding clutch continues to rotate; providing a speed of said vehicle; and using a microcomputer in measuring the speed from said speed sensor and said vehicle speed from a vehicle data link to determine status of clutch engagement; wherein said speed sensor is positioned above said sliding clutch teeth, when said clutch mechanism is disengaged.
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Specification