Differential - STEM Lab Model

If you are looking for stem activities for your 8 year old or stem a 9 year old look no further.

Learn how the DIFFERENTIAL works:

• The Differential is a stylised educational model, an interactive study guide to the mechanism, just for learning its essentials and principles of operation.
• The Differential was designed to ensure that the drive wheels sitting on the same axle rotate with a different rate and cover different distances at the same time. 
• This mechanism allows the car to make turns without the wheels skidding, prevents wheel-slip, reduces tyre wear, and makes entering and going out of turns easier for the driver. 
• Having put the Differential together, your can unblock it pushing the lever in position 1 (Up) and set both wheels in motion by rotation of the drive gear or the wheel. 
• The Control lever regulates the smooth locking of the right and left wheels independently by turning right or left respectively. 
• In the “down” position of the lever, both wheels are linked in a rigid coupling and can either rotate together (propelled by the drive gear or a wheel) or lock simultaneously (by the lever of the wheel).

When and who invented it:

The car differential was invented by French engineer Onesiphore Pecqueur in 1825. In the 1930s of the 20th century, German automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche made significant improvements to the device.

Usage:

• Differentials are used mainly in cars as a part of the transmission mechanism. They improve manoeuvrability and performance of an automobile.
• Put it together and discover the principle of operation of the Car Differential.
• The model comes with a Pocket Model’s Study Guide, which includes its creation story and mechanism design as well as engaging and interesting tasks.
• Immerse yourself in Augmented Reality (AR) and discover how the Differential is used in a car rear axle, and interact with it via special Ugears AR-application.

The mechanism of the Differential is composed of:

• The drive gear
• The locking lever
• The side gear
• The locking clutch
• The wheel