Around The Corner: How Differential Steering Works - An In-depth Explanation From 1937
6A differential (diff) is a gear train featuring three drive shafts, designed so that the rotational speed of one shaft represents the average of the speeds of the other two. In various applications, differentials prove indispensable, particularly in motor vehicles where they enable the independent rotation of wheels on a drive axle, accommodating varied speeds during cornering. Beyond automotive use, differentials find application in diverse areas such as clocks and analog computers.
Moreover, differentials offer a valuable function by establishing a gear ratio between the input and output shafts, commonly referred to as the "axle ratio" or "diff ratio." This is exemplified in motor vehicles where many differentials incorporate gearing reduction, achieved by having a pinion with fewer teeth than the corresponding ring gear.