The Ramp Test

The Ramp Test

Ramp tests are often used to demonstrate the capabilities of modern electronic traction control systems. The challenge that these systems face with their open type differentials is how to effectively mitigate wheel slip when a tire loses traction. There is usually a delay as sensors detect that a wheel is spinning much faster than the others before the system selectively applies the brakes to tame that slipping wheel. 

Locking differentials, or lockers, will perform better on such tests, but these too have drawbacks. Lockers take an "all or nothing approach", ie: they are either engaged (fully locked), or disengaged (fully open). This binary state operation usually requires the driver to make a conscious decision based on his or her judgement of the terrain conditions. 

Our axles provide the traction of a fully locked differential on a full-time basis without ever requiring driver involvement. instead of reacting to excessive slip, we take a proactive approach in order to prevent unwanted slip from ever happening in the first place.

Here we are demonstrating the axle's ability to climb like a fully locked differential - even when only a single wheel has traction. We can also transition seamlessly from a super-tight turn with active torque vectoring straight into the ramp test and vice versa without any driver intervention (try that with a locker!)

With this novel approach, we are able to achieve the best of both worlds when it comes to maximizing traction and turning radius.

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