Direct Drive Differential™

The Direct Drive Differential^tm is a gear assembly that significantly enhances the capabilities of zero turn mowers. Most zero turn mowers have two transmissions – one for controlling each drive wheel. This new concept also requires two transmissions, but one controls vehicle speed, while the other controls vehicle steering.

The propelling input drives both wheels at exactly the same speed – forward or reverse. The steering input adds speed to one side while reducing speed to the other side. The two drive wheels are no longer independent – they drive exactly as defined by the inputs. This eliminates any possibility of one wheel breaking traction and spinning, causing turf damage, unless both sides simultaneously break traction.

Operation of zero turns and of sharp turns is simplified in a way that eliminates much turf tear. Operation in straighter usage is similar to that of current operation – where often slight turns are made by holding one control unchanged while varying the other either direction.

To see prototype demonstration, visit: www.maddyassoc.com

PRODUCT FEATURES & BENEFITS

Special Features

Straight line driving with one-hand control
Steering control speeds up on one side while simultaneously slowing down the other side
Zero turn capability using one control
Eliminates inside wheel pivoting on turns – preventing turf damage
Eliminates single-side traction breakaway on wet spots – preventing turf damage
Eliminates single-side traction breakaway on side hills – preventing turf damage
Eliminates factory adjustment for side-to-side speed match
Eliminates customer dissatisfaction when side-to-side speeds are not matched (Yes, this does happen and is especially irritating in reverse!)

Unique, low-cost parking brake available – patent pending
Easily adaptable for steering wheel use
Easily adaptable to hybrid vehicles (i.e. hydraulic propel and electrical steering)
Easily adaptable to all-electric applications
Facilitates technology evolution – with PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION
Technology is scalable and applicable to many other applications

PRODUCT DETAILS

Product Description

The Direct Drive Differential^tm is a new technology designed to increase vehicle controllability to eliminate single-wheel traction breakaway and to make that annoying inside wheel pivot damage difficult to even accomplish. This concept significantly increases vehicle traction capability and decreases turf damage. The effect of this design is similar to that of positraction, but it shifts the power away from the low-traction side before the “slip” occurs.

This technology would be useful in many applications, including zero-turn mowers, motorized wheelchairs, tractors, specialized harvesters, ATVs and other agricultural or construction equipment.

The Direct Drive Differential^tm is a gear assembly (gearbox) with two inputs and two outputs. The outputs drive the wheels. The gearbox contains two planetary gearsets that are interconnected in a unique manner such that one input controls speed (forward and reverse), and the other input controls turning by increasing output speed on one side while decreasing output speed by the same amount on the other side. This offers a driven differential that is controlled – thus a Direct Drive Differential^tm

Product Specifications

Two identical planetary gearsets
One propelling input gear and shaft assembly
One steering input gear and shaft assembly
One idler gear and shaft assembly
One central drive shaft
Two planet carrier outputs
Bushings and fasteners
Gearbox enclosure and mounts

The Direct Drive Differential^tm is covered by United States Utility Patent: 9,493,186

The Direct Drive Differential^tm is covered by United States Utility Patent: . 9,316,301

For additional information, licensing opportunities, and a full prospectus on the Direct Drive Differential^tm contact:

BankOnIP

VP of Business Development

Email: info@BankOnIP.com