Articulated halfshaft for an amphibian

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an articulated shaft for an amphibious driveline that can be extended when using the vehicle on land and retracted when using it on water. This allows for easy transition between land and water driving modes and improves the flexibility and versatility of the amphibious vehicle. The invention also provides an amphibious vehicle comprising the articulated shaft, which allows for easy use in different driving modes and terrains.

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.

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