Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Jevon Kennell

William J Wilson

Steven G Trombat

Debkumar Rakshit

Hamid Ghavami Kia

Bradley Allen Newcomb

David S Schulz

Dan E Revers

A differential housing includes a body including an outer surface. The body has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. A ring gear support member extends outwardly of the body at the second end. A ring gear support surface forms a first section of the intermediate portion. The ring gear support surface defines a first outer diameter of the intermediate portion. A ring gear is mounted to the outer surface of the body. The ring gear includes an inner annular surface having a first region defining a first inner diameter and a second region defining a second inner diameter. The first region includes a sawtooth profile to establish a desired alignment of the ring gear and the body and the second region facilitating an interference fit with the ring gear support surface.

Vehicle differential

Products and methods are provided for controlling thermal expansion. In various exemplary embodiments, a structure includes a body constructed of a material exhibiting a first coefficient of linear thermal expansion. A component is disposed inside the body and exhibits a second coefficient of linear thermal expansion that is lower than the first coefficient of linear thermal expansion. A layer is wrapped around the body and constrains thermal expansion of the body. The layer includes a composite containing fibers that are aligned with one another to constrain expansion in a desired direction or in multiple directions. The layer is independently useful to provide a retention function for the body.

Structures and methods for controlled thermal expansion

A differential barrel includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. A ring gear support member extends outwardly at the second end. A ring gear support surface forms a first section of the intermediate portion. The ring gear support surface defines a first outer diameter of the intermediate portion. A ring gear alignment surface forms a second section of the intermediate portion. The ring gear alignment surface defines a second outer diameter of the intermediate portion. A ring gear is mounted to the outer surface of the body and includes an inner annular surface including a first region defining a first inner diameter and a second region defining a second inner diameter. The first region establishes an interference fit with the ring gear support surface. The second inner diameter is no more than about 0.05-inches (1.27-mm) greater than the second outer diameter.

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Howell, MI, United States of America

Jevon Kennell