Methods and systems for a locking differential are provided. The locking differential system includes an electromagnetic solenoid actuator designed to induce locking and unlocking of the differential and a circuit board assembly designed to programmatically control the locking and unlocking functionality. The circuit board assembly includes a sensor and control circuitry enclosed in a continuous sealed enclosure, the sensor extends down the face of a coil assembly in the solenoid.

A differential can comprise a pilot clutch, a main clutch, a first ball ramp configured to act on the pilot clutch, and a second ball ramp configured to actuate the main clutch when the pilot clutch acts on the second ball ramp. An electromagnetic differential can comprise a carrier, a stator mounted on the carrier, a pilot clutch in the carrier, and a main clutch in the carrier. An electromagnetic differential can comprise a carrier and a first side gear and a second side gear in the carrier. A pilot clutch can be in the carrier surrounding a portion of the first side gear. A main clutch can be in the carrier surrounding a portion of the pilot clutch and surrounding a portion of the first side gear.

A bi-directional overrunning clutch differential is configured to transmit power from an input shaft to a first output shaft and a second output shaft in a vehicle. The differential includes a differential housing having a first bearing seat and a second bearing seat. A first bearing is carried by the differential housing in the first bearing seat, and a second bearing is carried by the differential housing in the second bearing seat. A first retaining ring secures the first bearing in the first bearing seat, and a second retaining ring secures the second bearing in the second bearing seat. A first output hub is carried by the first bearing for rotation relative to the differential housing, and a second output hub is carried by the second bearing for rotation relative to the differential housing.

A hydraulic control unit comprising a central accumulator, a flow path connected to the accumulator, a reservoir sharing a fluid space with the accumulator, a pump, and a controllable valve. The flow path is integrally formed to comprise a first flow path and a second flow path. The pump is connected to the accumulator via the first flow path on a first side of the accumulator. The pump is further connected to the reservoir via an inlet flow path on the first side of the accumulator. The controllable valve is connected to the accumulator via the second flow path on a second side of the accumulator.

Methods and systems for a locking mechanism in an inter-axle differential are provided. A vehicle system, in one example, includes an electric motor coupled to a clutch assembly in a locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential coupled to a first axle and a second axle, the clutch assembly is configured to selectively disengage the locking mechanism, and in the disengaged configuration the locking mechanism permits speed differentiation between the first and second axles. The system further includes an electric motor brake coupled to the electric motor and configured to selectively apply a brake torque to the electric motor and the electric motor is configured to actuate the clutch assembly.

Methods and systems for a locking differential are provided. The locking differential system includes an electromagnetic solenoid actuator designed to induce locking and unlocking of the differential and a circuit board assembly designed to programmatically control the locking and unlocking functionality. The circuit board assembly includes a sensor and control circuitry enclosed in a continuous sealed enclosure, the sensor extends down the face of a coil assembly in the solenoid.

Methods and systems for operating axles of a vehicle are provided. In one example, an apparatus is configured to consume a first amount of electric power to indicate a first axle operating state. The apparatus is also configured to consume a second amount of electric power to indicate a second axle operating state.

An axle assembly including a differential case and a side gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface disposed in the differential case. The side gear outboard surface defines a first plurality of locking teeth. A locking gear having an inboard surface and an outboard surface, wherein the inboard surface includes a second plurality of locking teeth selectively engaged with the first plurality of locking teeth. A biasing member disposed axially between the side gear and the locking gear. An electromagnetic coil disposed adjacent the locking gear. A first inductive sensor for sensing a position of the locking gear.

Methods and systems for a locking mechanism in an inter-axle differential are provided. A vehicle system, in one example, includes an electric motor coupled to a clutch assembly in a locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential coupled to a first axle and a second axle, the clutch assembly is configured to selectively disengage the locking mechanism, and in the disengaged configuration the locking mechanism permits speed differentiation between the first and second axles. The system further includes an electric motor brake coupled to the electric motor and configured to selectively apply a brake torque to the electric motor and the electric motor is configured to actuate the clutch assembly.

A differential can comprise a pilot clutch, a main clutch, a first ball ramp configured to act on the pilot clutch, and a second ball ramp configured to actuate the main clutch when the pilot clutch acts on the second ball ramp. An electromagnetic differential can comprise a carrier, a stator mounted on the carrier, a pilot clutch in the carrier, and a main clutch in the carrier. An electromagnetic differential can comprise a carrier and a first side gear and a second side gear in the carrier. A pilot clutch can be in the carrier surrounding a portion of the first side gear. A main clutch can be in the carrier surrounding a portion of the pilot clutch and surrounding a portion of the first side gear.