Articulated halfshaft for an amphibian

a technology for amphibians and half shafts, applied in the direction of couplings, marine propulsion, vessel construction, etc., can solve the problems of limited ability in terms of articulation angles, service and reliability problems, and known half shafts, especially those used in automotive applications

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-08-08
GIBBS TECH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, known halfshafts, and in particular those used in automotive applications, have limited ability in terms of the angles of articulation possible.
Furthermore, there are servicing and reliability issues when transmitting power and / or rotation at speed at increased angles of articulation.
Whilst the halfshaft may transmit power and provide drive to a supported wheel in the manner of a driveshaft, it may also be used simply to support a wheel and not provide any power transmission or drive.
However, the degree of articulation achievable is limited due to the geometrical constraints of known articulating joints (CV joints, Rzeppa joints, tripod joints, Hooke's joints, Thompson CV joints and universal joints) since mechanical resistance to rotation and even geometric lock can occur beyond operational angles.
Ultimately, this gives rise to servicing issues and failure of the articulating joint when it is operated at the larger angles of the limited articulation available.
This presents significant problems in terms of the degree of articulation required (not to mention also the additional articulation about a vertical axis required for steering), packaging, weight distribution and also in terms of how the resulting power transmission pathways can be realised.

Method used

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  • Articulated halfshaft for an amphibian
  • Articulated halfshaft for an amphibian
  • Articulated halfshaft for an amphibian

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Embodiment Construction

[0028]For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“right,”“left,”“rear,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 5 and 7. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiment(s) only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood t...

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PUM

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Abstract

An articulated shaft for an amphibian drive line that includes at least three shaft portions, and at least three points of articulation, wherein the articulated shaft is movable between a protracted position for use of the amphibian on land and a retracted position for use of the amphibian on water.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an articulated halfshaft particularly suitable for use in an amphibian capable of travel on land and water. More particularly, the articulated halfshaft is suitable for use with at least one retractable wheel or track drive in a high speed amphibian capable of planing on water. The present invention also relates to an amphibian incorporating such an articulated halfshaft.[0002]It is known, for example from U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,179 of the present applicant, for amphibians to have wheel and suspension assemblies which are retractable, so that the wheels are raised above the water line when the amphibian is operated on water. This reduces hydrodynamic resistance (drag) and allows for increased speed. The amphibian can then operate in a planing mode on water, and not just in a displacement mode only. However, known halfshafts, and in particular those used in automotive applications, have limited ability in terms of the ang...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B63H19/08
CPCB60F3/0007B60K17/22B60K17/30F16D3/223B60F2301/04B60G2300/28B60G2204/47B60G3/20B60G2204/1242B60G2204/128B60G2204/129B60G2204/421F16D2003/22326
Inventor JENKINS, NEIL GRAHAM
Owner GIBBS TECH
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