Thompson Coupling

The Thompson constant velocity coupling is the worlds first and only constant velocity joint with no load bearing sliding surfaces.

Unlike other CV joints (constant velocity joints), this one does not have any load bearing - sliding surfaces, instead it uses a unique arrangement of roller bearing hinges. The roller bearings create a fluid movement with reduced friction, which translates to less wear and tear and greater efficiency.

The joint has a unique centring device made up of a spherical 4-bar linkage that centres and orientates the hinge joint.

The joint is able to cope with greater loads, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications such as helicopter rotor heads, rear wheel and front wheel drive systems and many other types of machinery.

The animation is of the coupling running at a 15° Angle.

Animation created with Solid Edge 3D CAD software, by Trang Imagineering Australia.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Thompson
• Coupling;
• Couplings;
• Charger;
• Animation;
• 4x4;
• cardan;
• CAD;
• Trang
• Imagineering

[meandmyevo]

Whats the functional difference between this and a double-cardan cv joint then? they too have no sliding surfaces and are about 1/1,000,th as complicated...

[Cybernetics6]

I vote this thing as the invention of the year.

Simply brilliant.

[sn0wchyld]

@meandmyevo one word... efficiency.

[Slouchification]

Badass! I cant wait to show you what I got! 

[kopellhinex]

beautiful mechanical

[thoughtgrenades]

I watched this on New Inventors in Australia, genius!

[irakeshme]

grt video can someone tell me which software was used to make the video ?

thnx.

[andersemil]

@saeidmomtahan it is much more efficient compared to a standard cv joint used today. no sliding parts, only rotating. means less heat, which means less energy wasted (more power output) and much less stress on the mechanical parts.

[saeidmomtahan]

Can some one tell me what's unique about this thing? I see it's got extra parts compare to a normal U-joint. bu what's the functional difference?