Patent ID: 6161643
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: B60K,F16H

Abstract:
A method for transferring drive torque in a motor vehicle having a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels, the method comprising the steps of:providing a front axle assembly including a front differential unit interconnected to the front pair of wheels through a front pair of axle shafts;providing a rear axle assembly including a rear differential unit interconnected to the rear pair of wheels through a rear pair of axle shafts;providing a transfer case interconnected to said front and rear axle assemblies through a front prop shaft and a rear prop shaft, respectively;automatically transferring drive torque between said front pair of axle shafts in response to a first predetermined speed differential therebetween;automatically transferring drive torque at a first rate between said rear pair of axle shafts in response to a second predetermined speed differential therebetween; andautomatically transferring drive torque at a second rate between said front and rear prop shafts in response to a third predetermined speed differential therebetween, said second rate being more aggressive than said first rate.