Eaton launches electric and hydraulic technology

IntelliTrac uses electric limited slip differential technology to offer traction and vehicle dynamic benefits

US power management company Eaton has announced its automotive traction and torque management technology, IntelliTrac. It features both electric and hydraulic components to provide manufacturers with improved performance on front- and rear-wheel drive systems.

IntelliTrac uses electric limited slip differential (LSD) technology to offer traction and vehicle dynamic benefits by optimising torque distribution between wheels as well weight savings of nearly 36kg.

The technology offers packaging flexibility because of its ability to be situated within the manufacturer’s existing axle house, negating the need for a prop shaft tunnel. The unit is fitted with a DC electric motor that is controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The motor drives a piston pump that can operate at peak performance across all temperature extremes.

The LSD technology is compatible with other vehicle safety systems, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and traction control and stability control systems, and is able to provide customised traction levels selected by the driver.

Rapidly shifting torque between the wheels makes electric LSD systems desirable in snow and on ice, but it also enhances cornering on dry pavement. 

Rick Kukucka, product director of Chassis/Driveline at Eaton, said: “For luxury and performance vehicles, this is going to become the price of entry by the beginning of the next decade."

The technology will debut in 2017 on a 2018-model year vehicle from a major North American manufacturer. The supplier is currently in discussions with OEMs about the application of IntelliTrac on models destined for production and sale in Europe.