A Descriptive Analysis of Gerodisc Type Limited Slip Differentials and All Wheel Drive Couplings

A new hydro-mechanical coupling has been developed for use as a slip limiting device in differentials, axle and transfer cases as well as a stand alone, self contained transmission coupling for all wheel drive applications. The exceptional torque capacity to packaging size ratio of this device allows secondary axles to be driven exclusively through the coupling before or after the final drive reduction. In this paper, the operation principle and general construction of the Gerodisc type coupling devices are discussed as well as analysis and comparison of theoretical performance capabilities, laboratory bench test data and actual on vehicle field testing data.