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Technical Paper

A New Form of Limited Slip Differential

1993-03-01
930672
Improved performance creates a need for a limited slip differential for widespread application. Existing types suffer from the disadvantage of high cost and they are generally not well suited to front wheel drive applications. The ‘Suretrac’ differential meets this enhanced requirement. In this new design torque is transmitted through the unit using a cam and follower principle. Any relative rotation of the cams on the output shafts is opposed by friction forces which generate a torque ratio between the output shafts. The design is novel in using helical faces to give large contact areas and avoid high Hertzian stresses. The performance of this type of differential differs from viscous types or traction control because the torque difference is established before any relative motion takes place. The tyre dynamics dictate the torques generated so that the differential always provides the optimum torque balance. This maintains tyre adhesion and enhances directional stability and safety.
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