This invention relates to modern engine driven machinery, both land bound and airborne, which are propelled and steered by varying the relative speed of two or more laterally positioned drive mechanisms.
Differentials are mechanical devices used almost uniformly on vehicles whose driven wheels have occasion to rotate at different speeds. When making a turn, the outside wheel of a vehicle travels in a wider arc, and therefore must rotate faster than the opposing wheel. Furthermore, a well-known method of traction control is to selectively apply the brakes of wheels that slip because of lack of traction. Accordingly, a differential can be used to transmit torque and horsepower by brake actuation.
In a traditional clutch, a rotating friction surface causes another surface to rotate and the friction surface wears with each engagement. Increasing the life or torque capacity of the clutch requires adding weight to the rotating mass.
The present invention uses a differential clutch arrangement applied to two shafts rotating in opposing directions. By selectively applying braking action to limit or control the rotation of one of the shafts, the alternative shaft transmits the engine power to the drive mechanisms.