Integrated axle module with twin electronic torque management
DRIVE
February 5, 2003
An axle module (22) for use in an automotive vehicle (12). The axle module (22) includes a housing (40) and a shaft (44) rotatably supported within that housing (40). The axle module (22) also includes a ring gear (48) connected to the shaft (44). The axle module (22) also includes a clutch pack housing (50) engaged with an end of said shaft (44) while a side shaft joint (54) is arranged within the clutch pack housing (50). The side shaft joint (54) is connected to a side shaft (26, 28) which is further connected to a wheel of the automotive vehicle (12). A plurality of plates (60) extend from the clutch pack housing (50) and from the side shaft joint (54) such that they overlap in an alternating manner with one another. The axle module (22) also includes a motor (90) which is used to control the transfer of torque through the clutch pack housing (50) and plurality of plates (60).
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