US 11,674,581 B2
Dual sensor system and method for a differential disconnect axle assembly
Justin S. Davis, Maumee, OH (US); Michael Z. Creech, Ann Arbor, MI (US); and Sagar B. Bangar, Ypsilanti, MI (US)
Assigned to Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC, Maumee, OH (US)
Filed by Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC, Maumee, OH (US)
Filed on Feb. 7, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/650,205.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/261,461, filed on Sep. 21, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/172,561, filed on Apr. 8, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0325786 A1, Oct. 13, 2022
Int. Cl. F16H 48/34 (2012.01); F16H 48/24 (2006.01); F16H 48/20 (2012.01); F16D 27/00 (2006.01)
CPC F16H 48/34 (2013.01) [F16H 48/24 (2013.01); F16D 2027/002 (2013.01); F16D 2300/18 (2013.01); F16H 2048/204 (2013.01); F16H 2048/346 (2013.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A locking differential system, comprising:
a driving gear;
a differential drive with an input part and two output parts, wherein the two output parts are drivingly connected to the input part and, relative to one another, have a differential effect;
a coupling effectively arranged between the driving gear and the differential drive, wherein, in a closed condition of the coupling, torque is transmitted from the driving gear to the differential drive and, in an open condition of the coupling, the transmission of torque is interrupted;
a controllable actuator for actuating the coupling, wherein the actuator comprises an electromagnet and an axially displaceable piston, and wherein the actuator is configured to generate a current signal representing a coil current of the electromagnet; and
a multi-sensor sub-assembly having two eddy current sensors coupled to a common microcontroller, wherein each eddy current sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal representing a first, engaged position or a second, disengaged position of the coupling, but with each of the two eddy current sensors switching between their respective indications at different physical positions;
wherein the two eddy current sensors include a first eddy current sensor with a first inductive coil and a second eddy current sensor with a second inductive coil, and wherein each of the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil is formed of coils stacked along a first axis; and
wherein the multi-sensor sub-assembly includes a first oscillator configured to activate the first inductive coil and a second oscillator configured to activate the second inductive coil, and wherein operation of the multi-sensor sub-assembly includes switching between activating the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil.