Automated inter-axle differential lock system

摘要

The present invention relates to an automatic inter-axle differential (IAD) locking system (10) for a vehicle (11) having a tandem drive axle (15). The IAD lock system comprises a vehicle IAD having a rotating sliding clutch mechanism (34) and a rotating side helical gear (33). If the absolute difference between the sliding clutch revolutions per minute (RPM) and the side helical gear RPM is greater than a minimum limit, and if the absolute difference between the sliding clutch RPM and the side helical gear RPM is less than a maximum limit, and the speed of the vehicle is less than a third limit, then a microprocessor engages the IAD lock mechanism.