Patent ID: 6719662
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A differential assembly comprising:a rotatable casing having an axis of rotation; a selectively energized electromagnet proximal the casing; a rotatable cone clutch disposed within the casing, the cone clutch placed in operative engagement with the casing in response to the electromagnet being energized, wherein relative rotation between the cone clutch and the casing is slowed by their being in operative engagement; a rotatable clutch hub disposed within the casing; a second clutch disposed within the casing, the casing and the clutch hub being rotatably coupled through engagement of the second clutch, the second clutch being operatively engaged in response to relative rotation between the cone clutch and the casing being slowed; at least one rotatable pinion gear disposed within the casing and revolving about the axis of rotation; and a side gear enmeshed with the at least one rotatable pinion gear and rotatable about the axis of rotation and disposed within the casing, the side gear being rotatably coupled to the casing through the second clutch during engagement of the second clutch; wherein neither cone clutch nor the second clutch is appreciably engaged with the casing in response to gear separating forces exerted between the pinion gear and the side gear.