b) Friction-Based Differential Locks
The locking effect of designs used today is based on adherent friction that hinders the compensation. It is produced by friction elements between the drive shafts over which a torque can be transferred, according to the design or driving condition it has a differing size.
One can distinguish between differential locks with self-regulating effect, without a possibility for external engagement, and the ones with regulating effect.
Differential Locks with Self-Regulating Effect
The simplest design of a self-regulating differential lock is the fixed value lock. The figure above shows the design of a fixed value lock in the diagram.
The fixed value lock complicates the compensation movement of both output shafts exclusively by a firmly defined friction moment, which is determined by the layout of the spring and friction surface. Thus the maximum torque difference between the outputs is constant. The locking value S defined in the equation earlier, depends on the specific loading condition. With an increasing load the locking value drops.