A method for mitigating torque steer in a vehicle having a steering axle with a limited slip differential and a pair of output members. The limited slip differential includes a pair of differential outputs and a clutch. The method includes: operating the limited slip differential with the clutch in the first condition; determining that the vehicle is in a state in which a torque steer condition is occurring or is likely to occur; and operating the clutch to reduce a torque differential between the differential outputs to mitigate the torque steer condition. A vehicle with a steering axle and a controller that is configured to operate a clutch in the steering axle to attenuate torque steer is also provided.

In at least some implementations, a clutch member includes a main body having a central axis, a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface, a rear face and a front face, multiple teeth formed in the front face with adjacent teeth circumferentially spaced apart, and a rim extending axially from the main body and located radially outwardly of the teeth. The rim extends axially farther from the rear face than do the teeth.

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 circuity enclosed in a continuous sealed enclosure, the sensor extends down the face of a coil assembly in the solenoid.

A differential device is provided with: an input case having an axially directed end face; a differential gear set with side gears allowing a differential motion therebetween; dog teeth toothed toward the end face on an output case; a clutch structure engageable with the dog teeth and so structured as to couple the output case or the second side gear with the input case when engaged; an axially movable clutch member including an internal end and an external end exposed to the exterior; an axially movable armature including a magnetic material and in contact with the external end; a solenoid supported away from the end face, the solenoid generating a magnetic flux to attract the armature and, via the clutch member, set the clutch structure in mesh with the dog teeth; and a spring biasing the clutch member in a contrary direction.

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 circuity enclosed in a continuous sealed enclosure, the sensor extends down the face of a coil assembly in the solenoid.

A lock plate for an electronically actuated locking differential is provided. In one example embodiment, the lock plate includes a base portion having a first side and an opposite second side, a plurality of radially spaced teeth extending outwardly from the first side, and a plurality of standoffs extending outwardly from the second side.

A differential device is provided with a casing rotatable about an axis, a differential gear set coupled therewith including a pinion gear with a pressure angle (a4) and side gears in mesh therewith, output members respectively mediating torque transmission from the side gears to axles, each of which includes a friction face as a friction clutch for limiting the differential motion, dog teeth, and an oblique face forming an angle (a1) and constituting a cam for operating the friction clutch, a clutch member axially movable for functioning as a clutch to lock the differential motion and including a leg having a side face forming an angle (a2) to function as a cam and movable dog teeth each forming an angle (a3) satisfying an inequality a2≥a3; and an actuator capable of driving the clutch member toward a position where the movable dog teeth mesh with the dog teeth.

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 method for mitigating torque steer in a vehicle having a steering axle with a limited slip differential and a pair of output members. The limited slip differential includes a pair of differential outputs and a clutch. The method includes: operating the limited slip differential with the clutch in the first condition; determining that the vehicle is in a state in which a torque steer condition is occurring or is likely to occur; and operating the clutch to reduce a torque differential between the differential outputs to mitigate the torque steer condition. A vehicle with a steering axle and a controller that is configured to operate a clutch in the steering axle to attenuate torque steer is also provided.

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.