Abstract: A roll-formed tone wheel is provided in a speed sensing differential axle mechanism. The tone wheel is formed by passing an elongated strip of material through a roll-forming die. The elongated strip is cut into lengths, then these lengths are formed into individual rings forming the tone wheel. The tone wheel is provided on one of a ring gear flange or a axle assembly and the tone wheel teeth are disposed for relative rotation with respect to a stationary electronic pickup element secured rigidly in spaced relation with respect to the tone wheel teeth. In a preferred embodiment, the tone wheel is provided with locking tabs to secure the tone wheel with respect to the differential case.

Abstract: A connection for preventing relative movement between coupled members in a clamped joint. In particular, ring gear/differential housing members are connected across a roughened surface finish providing protrusions and allow positive load transfer without slippage. Different methods are proposed to achieve the roughening, or surface modification, of the backside of the ring gear surface, and this design provides increased frictional coefficients without adversely affecting performance of the differential assembly. The simplicity and low cost of this connection makes it particularly useful for a wide variety of these bolted assemblies.