System for controlling torque distribution
First Claim
1. A system for controlling torque distribution, comprising:
- a shaft powered by a drive source, the shaft separated into a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion;
a torsion unit having an elastic element connecting the first shaft portion to the second shaft portion;
a primary driving axle that is mechanically connected to the shaft and is continuously engaged by the drive source;
a secondary driving axle not continuously engaged by the drive source;
an axle clutch capable of engaging and disengaging the secondary driving axle; and
at least one actuator capable of controlling operation of the drive source, a braking system, and/or the axle clutch;
wherein the elastic element of the torsion unit deforms during transfer of drive torque from the first shaft portion to the second shaft portion;
wherein a deformation of the elastic element and a disengagement of the secondary driving axle by the axle clutch are executed without first performing calculations on sensor data; and
wherein any changes in traction on the primary driving axle will readjust torque distribution to the secondary driving axle without first performing calculations on sensor data.
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Abstract
A torque distribution control system comprises a torsion unit for detecting traction on wheels of a primary driving axle that is continuously engaged with a drive source or a source of torque power. The amount of traction detected is converted to a signal with variable signal strength, the signal strength correlating to the amount of traction detected by the torsion unit. The signal strength capable of being adjusted automatically based on select parameters and/or manually based on a driver'"'"'s input. And, in response to the signal, actuators engage and control operations of the vehicle such as the drive source, a braking system, and/or an axle clutch, with the level of engagement dependent upon the signal strength.
10 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A system for controlling torque distribution, comprising:
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a shaft powered by a drive source, the shaft separated into a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion; a torsion unit having an elastic element connecting the first shaft portion to the second shaft portion; a primary driving axle that is mechanically connected to the shaft and is continuously engaged by the drive source; a secondary driving axle not continuously engaged by the drive source; an axle clutch capable of engaging and disengaging the secondary driving axle; and at least one actuator capable of controlling operation of the drive source, a braking system, and/or the axle clutch; wherein the elastic element of the torsion unit deforms during transfer of drive torque from the first shaft portion to the second shaft portion; wherein a deformation of the elastic element and a disengagement of the secondary driving axle by the axle clutch are executed without first performing calculations on sensor data; and wherein any changes in traction on the primary driving axle will readjust torque distribution to the secondary driving axle without first performing calculations on sensor data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A system for controlling torque distribution, comprising:
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a shaft rotatable by a drive source, the shaft separated into a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion; a torsion unit having an elastic element capable of experiencing torsion; a primary driving axle that is connected to the torsion unit and is continuously engaged by the drive source; a secondary driving axle not continuously engaged by the drive source; an axle clutch capable of engaging and disengaging the secondary driving axle; and a converter unit capable of controlling operation of the drive source, a transmission, a braking system, and/or the axle clutch, the converter unit capable of converting angular displacement of the first shaft portion relative to the second shaft portion into physical action for controlling torque distribution; and wherein torque distribution is adjusted, without first performing calculations on sensor data, between the primary driving axle and the secondary driving axle depending on changes in the torsion experienced by the elastic element. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification