US Patent 11396935 Differential having armature position detection

A position detection device configured for use with a locking differential is configured to determine a position of an armature in relation to a stator. The stator has a primary coil. The armature moves relative to the stator between engaged and disengaged positions corresponding to the locking differential being in a locked and unlocked state. The position detection device includes a secondary coil disposed proximate to the primary coil. The secondary coil is configured to determine a change in inductance based on movement of the armature. The change in inductance is indicative of a change in position of the armature relative to the stator.