What is the working principle of a differential?
1 Answers
The working principle of a differential is essentially a rolling diagram of a wheel. Its function is to allow the left and right wheels to rotate at different speeds when the car is turning or driving on uneven road surfaces, ensuring that both driving wheels perform pure rolling motion. The differential is designed to adjust the speed difference between the left and right wheels. A standard differential consists of components such as planetary gears, the planetary carrier (differential housing), and axle shafts. The engine's power is transmitted through the driveshaft into the differential, directly driving the planetary carrier, which in turn drives the left and right axle shafts via the planetary gears, thereby powering the left and right wheels respectively. The design requirements of the differential must satisfy the condition that the speed of the left axle shaft plus the speed of the right axle shaft equals the speed of the planetary carrier. When the car is moving straight, the speeds of the left wheel, right wheel, and planetary carrier are equal, maintaining a balanced state.