Abstract: A differential lock assembly includes a differential lock and a blocking assembly. The differential lock assembly is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The blocking assembly is associated with the differential lock and includes a blocking member and a shape memory member. The blocking member is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. When the blocking member is in the blocking position, the differential lock is inhibited from moving to the locked position. The shape memory member is coupled with the blocking member and configured to receive an activation signal. The shape memory member is configured for actuation between a first length and a second length in response to the activation signal, wherein actuation of the shape memory member between the first length and the second length facilitates movement of the blocking member between the non-blocking and blocking positions.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes an axle, a differential, a differential lock assembly, a selector, and a coupler. The differential is coupled with the axle and is configured to facilitate operation of the axle at an axle speed. The differential lock assembly is associated with the differential and is movable between locked and unlocked positions. The selector is movable between lock-initiate and unlock-initiate positions. The coupler is configured to selectively couple the differential lock assembly and the selector. The coupler is configured for operation in deactivated and activated modes. When the coupler is in the deactivated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are decoupled from each other. When the coupler is in the activated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are coupled together.

Abstract: A differential lock assembly includes a differential lock and a blocking assembly. The differential lock assembly is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The blocking assembly is associated with the differential lock and includes a blocking member and a shape memory member. The blocking member is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. When the blocking member is in the blocking position, the differential lock is inhibited from moving to the locked position. The shape memory member is coupled with the blocking member and configured to receive an activation signal. The shape memory member is configured for actuation between a first length and a second length in response to the activation signal, wherein actuation of the shape memory member between the first length and the second length facilitates movement of the blocking member between the non-blocking and blocking positions.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes an axle, a differential, a differential lock assembly, a selector, and a coupler. The differential is coupled with the axle and is configured to facilitate operation of the axle at an axle speed. The differential lock assembly is associated with the differential and is movable between locked and unlocked positions. The selector is movable between lock-initiate and unlock-initiate positions. The coupler is configured to selectively couple the differential lock assembly and the selector. The coupler is configured for operation in deactivated and activated modes. When the coupler is in the deactivated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are decoupled from each other. When the coupler is in the activated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are coupled together.