What is the working principle of a differential?

1 Answers
SanJesse
07/29/25 5:25pm
The principle of the differential is based on the different rotational speeds of the wheels on either side of the car when turning, which generates two opposing torques. This causes the planetary gears to rotate, thereby altering the wheel speeds and enabling the car to turn smoothly. Structure of the differential: The automotive differential is a mechanism that allows the left and right (or front and rear) drive wheels to rotate at different speeds. It mainly consists of left and right side gears, two planetary gears, and a gear carrier. A standard differential includes components such as planetary gears, a planetary carrier (differential housing), and side gears. Function of the differential: The differential is a speed-difference transmission mechanism designed to distribute torque between two output shafts and ensure they can rotate at different angular speeds. This ensures power transmission to the drive wheels under various motion conditions, preventing tire slippage on the ground. The power from the car's engine passes through the clutch, transmission, and driveshaft, finally reaching the drive axle, where it is distributed to the side shafts to drive the wheels. In this power transmission path, the drive axle is the final assembly, and the main components of the differential are the reduction gear and the differential itself, serving to reduce speed and manage speed differences. When the car turns, the turning radius of the inner wheel differs from that of the outer wheel, with the outer wheel's turning radius being larger than the inner wheel's. This requires the outer wheel to rotate faster than the inner wheel during a turn. The differential's role is to meet this requirement of different wheel speeds during a turn.
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