Old-time film offers a simple explanation of how a car’s differential powers wheels simultaneously at different speeds.
Explanation starts at 1m 50s.
However, the downside to this type of gear is that it funnels more power to which ever wheel spins more easily. When you’re in slippery conditions, this becomes a problem. Then you want power to go to the tire with the most traction (resistance to spinning). Modern differentials attempt to solve this problem. Like Subaru used to say “from the wheels that slip to with wheels that grip.” That’s much more complicated. And a story for another day.
(link only: via Kottke)
3 months ago