Input torque is applied to the ring gear, which turns the entire carrier (all blue), providing torque to both side gears (red and yellow), which in turn may drive the left and right wheels. If the resistance at both wheels is equal, the pinion gear (green) does not rotate, and both wheels turn at the same rate. |
If the left side gear (red) encounters resistance, the pinion gear (green) rotates about the left side gear, in turn applying extra rotation to the right side gear (yellow). |
In an automobile and other four-wheeled vehicles, a differential is a device, usually consisting of gears, for allowing each of the driving wheels to rotate at different speeds, while supplying equal torque to each of them.