Differential drive with n outputs.

Abstract

A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Four or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement may be expanded to any number of outputs, and is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein a predetermined distribution of torque is required at four or more outputs, irrespective of their speeds. All the outputs are coupled as a series of all epicyclic differentiating mechanisms, or a series of epicyclic and bevel differentiating mechanisms. N outputs are achieved by introducing multiple epicyclic gear mechanisms. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto. Typical applications include powering four or more live axles on vehicles, providing rotary power for developing equal or predeterminably proportional torques for simultaneously tightening multiple bolts, and generating equal forces on the gripper fingers of robotic hands. In addition, the outputs can be applied to leveling devices where four or more legs must apply equal pressures on a surface.