Patent ID: 7396310
Filing Date: 2008-07-08
Classification: B60K,F16H

Abstract:
1. A differential assembly for driving a pair of axle shafts disposed in a housing, the differential assembly comprising: a drive gear comprising a center opening and a first pair of symmetrically disposed slots formed in the center opening, each slot being open to the center opening; first and second differential bushings disposed in the housing on opposite sides of the drive gear, each differential bushing comprising a pair of notches formed on an external surface thereof; a first differential carrier extending through the drive gear and comprising a first end portion engaged to one of the pair of notches in the first differential bushing, a second end portion engaged to one of the pair of notches in the second differential bushing, and a center key located between the first end portion and second end portion, the center key engaging one of the first pair of symmetrically disposed slots in the drive gear; and a second differential carrier extending through the drive gear and comprising a first end portion engaged to the other of the pair of notches in the first differential bushing, a second end portion engaged to the other of the pair of notches in the second differential bushing, and a center key located between the first end portion and second end portion, the center key engaging the other of the first pair of symmetrically disposed slots in the drive gear.