Abstract: A differential includes a carrier and worm gear assembly that cooperate to provide speed differentiation between first and second output shafts as needed. The carrier is coupled to an axle input gear, such as a ring gear for example, or a transmission shaft. The worm gear assembly includes a first enveloping worm gear that drives the first output shaft and a second enveloping worm gear that drives the second output shaft. First and second gears are supported by the carrier and are each in meshing engagement with the first and second enveloping worm gears in a self-locking arrangement. When the first and second enveloping worm gears rotate they are able to turn the first and second gears during normal road conditions, however, the first and second gears cannot drive or turn the first and second enveloping worm gears during a low traction driving condition.

Abstract: A method for processing a low manganese steel is more cost effective and improves residual stress, bending fatigue, and surface characteristics for driveline components. The low manganese steel comprises in combination, by weight, about 0.30-0.75% carbon (C) and 0.15-0.40% manganese (Mn), with the balance being essentially iron (Fe). The method for processing the low manganese steel includes carbonitriding the low manganese steel at temperatures between 1600° F. to 1750° F. for a time period of about three to six hours. The low manganese steel is subsequently quenched in a water based solution that is kept at room temperature. The process provides the low manganese steel with an irregular case profile with a core hardness of no more than 50 Rockwell C and a surface hardness of approximately 58-63 Rockwell C. Further, the process provides the low manganese steel with little or no intergranular oxidation or surface high temperature transformation product.

Abstract: The inventive parallel drive system is particularly well suited to be supported at the axle of the vehicle. A coupling arrangement includes a clutching mechanism and a gear reduction device that selectively couple an electric motor to the drive wheels for providing torque to the wheels alone or in combination with input from an internal combustion engine. The drive torque can also be provided exclusively from the internal combustion engine. The inventive arrangement also allows for the electric motor to be used as a generator during coasting or braking, for example.

Abstract: A drive unit assembly for a vehicle wheel includes a rigidly mounted electric motor coupled to the vehicle wheel via a gear drive. The gear drive includes a cycloid or epicycloid gear arrangement that provides significant speed reduction at the wheel.

Abstract: A speed reducer utilizes a cam driver and a cam follower both having sinusoidal grooves. The numbers of peaks and valleys in the cam driver and the cam follower grooves are controlled to achieve a desired change in speed between an input shaft and an output shaft. The use of the cam drive system allows a wide range of speed control in a relatively small package, and further ensures quiet operation.

Abstract: A differential is provided by a cam associated with each of the first and second output shafts of the differential. A moving member moves axially relative to the cams when the shafts are rotating at different speeds. The moving member is driven by the differential case, and in turn, drives the two cams. The cams are fixed to rotate with respective output shafts. As the differential speed of the two cams increases, the moving member moves axially at an increasing speed. Hydraulic fluid is positioned in chambers at each end of the first moving member and limits the speed of axial reciprocation of the first moving member. As the hydraulic fluid resists additional increase in speed of the first moving member, the first moving member begins to drive the two cams, and hence the two shafts, at a more equal speed.