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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Torque limiting device

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6879391
An improved torque transfer assembly is described for use in a vehicle having a prime mover, a transmission and a transfer case interconnecting a primary driven axle assembly and an auxiliary drive axle assembly. The auxiliary drive axle assembly includes a torque transfer means positioned between two opposed auxiliary drive wheels. The torque transfer means includes an input pinion gear in communication with the transfer case. A shaft means is located between the two opposed auxiliary drive wheels including a gear support means for mounting a ring gear engaged with the input pinion gear, the ring gear support means having an outer circumference for rotation with the shaft means. The ring gear has an inner circumference adjacent to the outer circumference of the support means, the support means or the ring gear defining a radially extending bore on a respective circumference and the ring gear of the support means having a detent located coincident with the bore on a respective circumference. A spring positioned in the bore, and a ball member is positioned with the spring located in the bore. The spring biases the ball member into engagement with the detent with a force determined to engage the ring gear with the support means for rotation with the shaft means and the auxiliary drive wheels.
Assignee:
Dana Corp., Toledo, OH
Patent Number(s):
US 4651847
OSTI ID:
6879391
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English