How Does a Differential Work? Video
Most of the car enthusiasts have a respectable amount of knowledge about how does a vehicle work.
We understand the basic concept of internal combustion, triggered by a spark, creating vertical movement that is transformed into a rotation by the crankshaft, and then the power being geared by the transmission to a different speed, reaching the differential. Now here is where we make a full stop.
Do you actually know how the differential works, and what makes it tick? If the answer is no, then this is the day you are enlightened.
Since in a turn, the left and the right powered wheel do not travel the same length, these two need to be able to move at a different speed. This is where the differential comes into play and does its magic.
The video you are about to see was recorded in 1937 and it does a great job in simplifying matters in order to explain the workings behind it.
Here is a quick history on this device that makes our cars turn.
The basic principle of the modern automotive differential was invented in 1827, patented by French watchmaker Onésiphore Pecqueur (1792-1852). His differential gearing was conceived for a steam-powered machine.
In 1913 – Packard introduces the spiral-gear differential, which cuts gear noise.
In 1926 – Packard introduces the hypoid differential, which enables the propeller shaft and its hump in the interior of the car to be lowered.
More or less the device has not been messed with ever since.
Check out the video bellow.
