Differenciálszer

Differenciálszer is a Hungarian term that translates to "differential gear" in English. It refers to a type of gear system that allows a vehicle's drive wheels to rotate at different speeds. This is crucial when a vehicle is turning. During a turn, the outer wheel travels a longer distance than the inner wheel. Without a differential, one wheel would have to slip or drag, causing tire wear, reduced control, and mechanical stress.

The core component of a differential is a set of bevel gears. These gears are housed within a carrier and are driven by the driveshaft. The carrier, in turn, rotates a ring gear, which is connected to the axle shafts that drive the wheels. When the vehicle is moving in a straight line, both wheels rotate at the same speed, and the gears within the differential spin together as a unit. However, when a turn is initiated, the gears within the differential allow for this speed discrepancy, distributing torque to both wheels while permitting differential rotation. This mechanism significantly improves handling and maneuverability, especially on uneven surfaces or during cornering. The concept of the differential gear is a fundamental engineering principle in automotive design.