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Precisely what you need for mission-critical applications
When it comes to military applications, your product must stand up to the harshest of environments. Recently, the development and manufacture of a complete shaft assembly for an amphibious assault vehicle demonstrated Belden’s commitment to tackle the toughest applications.
Designed to withstand both nuclear and biological contamination, the joint yokes and shaft of the vehicle were constructed of 7075-T651 aluminum to provide a lightweight, high-strength, corrosion resistant solution. It was necessary to modify standard pin and block designs in various materials to create a custom assembly. The bushing and pins were made from hardened 416 stainless steel to combat corrosion and prevent galling and premature wear of the yoke components. The pin and block section of the universal joints were covered with neoprene boots to prevent contaminates from invading the assembly. The boots were molded specifically for the shaft assembly to protect the joints and provide maintenance-free operation for extended periods of time. The end result was a solid solution that met the customer’s exact application specifications.
 
Precision universal joint manufacturer Belden Inc. was contacted to supply a universal joint drive shaft assembly to connect the diesel engine and the compressor for the air conditioning unit of a multi-role armoured 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 2 years ago. In 2007, the entire vehicle was placed in to a climate chamber to replicate the possible environmental elements the armoured vehicle could encounter in the various regions of the world. 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 rpm 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 the Quick Release feature.
 
Vehicle pictures by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann & Co KG http://www.kmweg.de
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