Abstract: An axle disconnect system is provided whereby axles of a tandem or multi-axle vehicle may be easily and quickly engaged and disengaged as required and whereby the ring gear and differential gears remain stationary when the axle is disengaged. In multi-axle vehicles, a dual disconnect mechanism is contained in the front and auxiliary rear axles. When only the primary rear axle is necessary to propel the vehicle (e.g., during highway use) the transfer case interrupts torque to the front axle. Similarly, a clutch also interrupts torque transmission to the auxiliary rear axle. In this mode, the dual disconnect mechanism prevents the axle output shafts from back-driving the differential, thereby reducing parasitic losses and wear.

Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.

Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.

Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.

Abstract: An axle disconnect system is provided whereby axles of a tandem or multi-axle vehicle may be easily and quickly engaged and disengaged as required and whereby the ring gear and differential gears remain stationary when the axle is disengaged. In multi-axle vehicles, a dual disconnect mechanism is contained in the front and auxiliary rear axles. When only the primary rear axle is necessary to propel the vehicle (e.g., during highway use) the transfer case interrupts torque to the front axle. Similarly, a clutch also interrupts torque transmission to the auxiliary rear axle. In this mode, the dual disconnect mechanism prevents the axle output shafts from back-driving the differential, thereby reducing parasitic losses and wear.