A torque transmission apparatus incorporates a differential gear system and a stationary sensor connected to the differential gear system for measuring output torque. The stationary sensor may be connected to a measurement output element of the differential gear system by a torsionally compliant measurement member, wherein the stationary sensor measures torsional deformation of the measurement member. The torsional deformation may be measured directly, or it may be measured following amplification by a gear train. A rotary position sensor may be used as the stationary sensor. Alternatively, the stationary sensor may be connected to the measurement output element of the differential gear system by way of a rigid measurement member, wherein the stationary sensor measures force applied by the measurement member. In this alternative, a force sensor may be used as the stationary sensor.

A multi-axis rotary actuator includes a payload support configured to be rotatable about a first axis, a disk surrounding at least a portion of the payload support, and an elevation wheel rotatably coupled to the payload support. The disk is configured to be rotatable about the first axis. The elevation wheel is configured to be in contact with the disk and to be rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The actuator can include a mirror or other device coupled to the elevation wheel. The mirror or other device is configured to be rotatable about the first axis and the second axis as the payload support and the elevation wheel rotate about the first axis and the second axis, respectively.

A differential device is provided with: an input member; a gear set with output gears to transmit torque from the input member to the output gears while allowing differential motion therebetween; a first clutch for limiting the differential motion; a first pressure pressing on the first clutch; a first cam mechanism for pressing the first pressure plate toward the first clutch; a second clutch, when connected, drivingly connecting the output gears with the input member; a second pressure plate for engaging the second clutch; and a rotatable driver disk including a pressing member so coupled with the cam mechanism as to, from a first position to a second position, rotate the first cam mechanism together and to, from the second position to a third position, allow the first cam mechanism to create rotational difference relative to the pressing member, thereby engaging the second clutch.

A differential gear assembly for a vehicle includes: an annular ring gear having internal and external surfaces, and rotates around a rotational axis extending in an axial direction; first and second side gears respectively distribute a first and second output torque to first and second drive shafts; first and second differential pinion gears respectively engage the first and second side gears; a pinion pin extends diametrically across the ring gear, where the first and second differential pinion gears are rotatably arranged on the pinion pin. The ring gear comprises first and second slots for receiving the pinion pin, where the slots are arranged in connection to the internal surface and extend partly through the ring gear in the axial direction.

A multi-axis rotary actuator includes a payload support configured to be rotatable about a first axis, a disk surrounding at least a portion of the payload support, and an elevation wheel rotatably coupled to the payload support. The disk is configured to be rotatable about the first axis. The elevation wheel is configured to be in contact with the disk and to be rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The actuator can include a mirror or other device coupled to the elevation wheel. The mirror or other device is configured to be rotatable about the first axis and the second axis as the payload support and the elevation wheel rotate about the first axis and the second axis, respectively.

A multi-axis rotary actuator includes a payload support configured to be rotatable about a first axis, a disk surrounding at least a portion of the payload support, and an elevation wheel rotatably coupled to the payload support. The disk is configured to be rotatable about the first axis. The elevation wheel is configured to be in contact with the disk and to be rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The actuator can include a mirror or other device coupled to the elevation wheel. The mirror or other device is configured to be rotatable about the first axis and the second axis as the payload support and the elevation wheel rotate about the first axis and the second axis, respectively.

An electromotive drive assembly comprises a housing arrangement with a first and second housing element between which an intermediate plate is arranged; a drive unit comprising a drive shaft which is rotatably drivable about a first axis of rotation; a transmission arrangement with an intermediate shaft which extends through an opening of the intermediate plate and is rotatably drivable by the drive shaft, and with a power split unit which is drivingly connected to the intermediate shaft and is rotatably supported about a third axis of rotation coaxial with the first axis of rotation by a first bearing in the intermediate plate and a second bearing in the second housing element; and a clutch arrangement by which the power path between the drive unit and the power split unit can be selectively connected and disconnected, wherein the opening comprises a clutch receptacle on which at least one element of the controllable clutch arrangement is axially supported.

Various improvements to axle assemblies are disclosed herein that are especially adapted for highly robust and compact configurations for use in front (i.e., steering) axle configurations.

A vehicle includes a tandem axle system having an inter-axle differential and clutching assembly, a forward or first axle assembly, and a rear or second axle assembly. The inter-axle differential and clutching assembly includes a differential mechanism having first and second side gears and a clutch mechanism having a clutch member and an actuator assembly. At least one of the first axle assembly and the second axle assembly is in selective driving engagement with the inter-axle differential and clutching assembly.

A vehicle includes a tandem axle system having an inter-axle differential and clutching assembly, a forward or first axle assembly, and a rear or second axle assembly. The inter-axle differential and clutching assembly includes a differential mechanism having first and second side gears and a clutch mechanism having a clutch member and an actuator assembly. At least one of the first axle assembly and the second axle assembly is in selective driving engagement with the inter-axle differential and clutching assembly.