Differential is an important component of an auto-mobile drive train. They are primarily used to incorporate a difference in the rotation speeds of the drive wheels which is vital for a vehicle to take a turn without one of it's wheel sliding.
When the auto-mobile takes a turn, say right, the wheel on the outer edge (left wheel) will have to travel a greater distance as compared to the inner wheel (right wheel) so as to facilitate the vehicles turning. This can be achieved by making the outer wheel turn faster than the inner wheels.
In the prehistoric period, this was usually achieved by connecting only one wheel to the engine. But this one wheel drive system had a lot of problems and in order to overcome these problems, differentials were invented.
The simplest differential mounted on the drive axle consists of a couple of bevel gears and spider gears.
To clearly understand the working of a differential, check out this beautifully composed video by learn engineering. VIDEO
When the auto-mobile takes a turn, say right, the wheel on the outer edge (left wheel) will have to travel a greater distance as compared to the inner wheel (right wheel) so as to facilitate the vehicles turning. This can be achieved by making the outer wheel turn faster than the inner wheels.
In the prehistoric period, this was usually achieved by connecting only one wheel to the engine. But this one wheel drive system had a lot of problems and in order to overcome these problems, differentials were invented.
The simplest differential mounted on the drive axle consists of a couple of bevel gears and spider gears.
