Product category:
Gears, brakes, couplings and engines
News Release from: Belden | Subject: Belden needle bearing universal joints
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 29 October 2007
Drive shaft assemblies suit military use
Belden needle bearing universal joints provide precise positioning and can operate continuously at high speeds.
Belden supplies customised drive shaft assemblies for mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) multi-role military vehicles used in extreme environments Belden was contacted to supply a complete universal joint drive shaft assembly for a MRAP multi-role armoured vehicle
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 25 Jul 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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The drive shaft assembly was to connect the diesel engine and the compressor for the air conditioning unit the vehicle.
The customer originally specified a standard 32mm OD needle bearing drive shaft with stainless steel yokes and a quick release hub feature for the initial testing two years ago.
In 2007, the entire vehicle was placed into a climate chamber to replicate the possible environmental elements the armoured vehicle could encounter.
Further reading
Joints and drive shafts customised to applications
Universal joint manufacturer serves the transport industry with universal joints and drive shaft assemblies for steering and gearchange linkage applications.
Universal joints for harsh environments
Belden's standard stainless steel universal joints have AISI 303 stainless steel yokes and AISI 416 steel pins and blocks to provide higher strength and improved wear resistance.
The tests proved to be extremely demanding on the universal joint drive shaft, resulting in premature failure.
Belden evaluated the application in the field and suspected that a combination of an undersized joint that could not handle the torque and rev/min of the diesel engine and the harsh temperature and operating environment inside the vehicle's engine compartment contributed to the drive shaft failure.
Belden was further challenged by the space limitations for a more robust joint.
The distance was very short and a telescoping feature was mandatory for the assembly.
The severe space constraints limited the possible bearing size.
The redesigned drive shafts now include a larger, heavy-duty bearing that is sealed and equipped with a lubricant that can handle a greater range of operating temperatures.
The bearing seal was improved to better retain the lubrication during longer periods of extreme operation.
The stainless steel yokes incorporate a custom profile and hub and a quick release feature.
Belden needle bearing universal joints provide precise positioning and can operate continuously at high speeds.
The joint has rigid axial stiffness for push/pull loads and can handle higher angles and rev/min.
The needle bearing universal joint is available in a wide variety of hub materials, including high-grade alloy steel, various grades of stainless steel and an extruded aluminium for high strength to weight ratios.
A wide selection of specialty plating is available for additional corrosion resistance.
Boot covers are recommended in gaseous and abrasive environments for added protection of the cross and bearing.
Needle bearing universal joints are manufactured in both inch and metric sizes and operating angles up to 45 degrees.
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