The Ingenious Mechanics of Driveshafts
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Published 2024-03-23
The evolution of automotive drivelines began centuries ago with horse-drawn implements, such as the Watkins and Bryson mowing machine, which introduced the first modern conceptualization of a driveshaft in 1861. Early automobiles primarily used chain drives, but by the turn of the century, gear-driven systems became more prevalent. The 1901 Autocar, designed by Louis S. Clarke, was considered the first shaft-driven automobile in the U.S., featuring a rear-end layout with a sliding-gear transmission, torque tube, and bevel gear assembly with an integrated differential. Autocar used a "pot type" universal joint, which was later superseded by the more robust Cardan universal joint, first used in the 1902 Spyker 60 HP race car.
Cardan universal joints, named after the Italian mathematician Gerolamo Cardano, consisted of two yokes connected by a cross-shaped intermediate journal, allowing power transmission between shafts at an angle. These joints used bronze bushings and later needle roller bearings to reduce friction and increase durability. Slip yokes were incorporated into the driveline assembly to accommodate axial movement. However, Cardan joints had limitations, such as non-uniform rotational speeds and increased friction at higher angles.
Throughout the 1920s, several design variations were developed to address these limitations. Ball and trunnion universal joints, like those used in the 1928 Chrysler DeSoto, allowed for greater angle misalignment and integrated slip characteristics. Double Cardan shafts, which used two universal joints connected by an intermediate propeller shaft, became a popular choice for rear-wheel drive vehicles due to their design flexibility, manufacturability, and torque capacity.
Constant velocity (CV) joints were introduced in the late 1920s to address the limitations of Cardan joints in front-wheel drive vehicles. The Tracta joint, invented by Jean-Albert Grégoire, was one of the first CV joints used in production vehicles. However, the most practical and popular design was the Rzeppa joint, invented by Ford engineer Alfred H. Rzeppa in 1926. Rzeppa joints used ball bearings to provide smooth power transfer at high angles. Tripod joints, developed in the 1960s, were commonly used on the inboard side of front-wheel drive half-shafts due to their affordability and ability to accommodate axial movement.
During the 1960s, manufacturers began experimenting with CV joints on propeller shafts for rear-wheel drive cars to achieve smoother power transfer. Double Cardan joints, which placed two Cardan joints back-to-back in a single unit, were also developed for use in high-articulation, high-torque applications.
Until the 1980s, drive shafts were primarily made from steel alloys. In 1985, the first composite drive shafts were introduced by Spicer U-Joint Division of Dana Corporation and GM. Composite drive shafts, made from carbon fiber or glass fiber in a polymer matrix, offered significant weight savings, high strength-to-weight ratios, and inherent damping properties.
As the automotive industry looks towards a future with alternative power sources, driveline components and universal joints remain crucial elements. Despite attempts to eliminate drivelines using hub electric motors, the traditional drivetrain layout is likely to remain dominant in the near future.
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All Comments (21)
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Me, every 90 seconds: "Oh, that's smarter".
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Our modern world is standing on the shoulders of countless number of giants and lifetimes of experience. Another great video NM 👍
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Every time I watch videos like this I can’t help to be completely humbled. So many nameless faces less men throughout history that worked individually or with a team to make so many modern conveniences possible. I’m just an average guy trying to do his best. I can’t imagine sitting down and inventing something like this, let alone constantly improve upon it. The amount of brainpower, work ethic, and trials these guys went through is nothing short of amazing.
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How come "a random dude", with only 600k subscribers, has higher production quality and absurdly higher factual correctness than major TV networks?
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As this video shows. There is rarely a perfect solution to engineering challenges, and that in most scenarios, a compromise is required.
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I’m awed at the superb graphics. I’m glad I taught him everything he knows.
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Amazing video! You could literally show this in a engineering class. I love the no-nonsense, pure info approach!
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I fabricate and custom build driveshafts for all kinds of stuff, big rigs, 4x4s, cruisers, drag racers and even tractor and agriculteral ptos, and I sure enjoy it. Its like legos, pieces might be different in some ways but they all go together the same. I also replace center bearings, straighten and balance them
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Growing up, I saw many CV joints as my dad's business sold auto parts. I have many fond memories of assembling boot kits (they replace the old boot, and have a rubber boot, packet of grease, and 2 circlips, one small one big) as a kid, but I must confess that I never understood nor truly appreciated the technical engineering behind such auto parts. It was refreshing to finally learn about the history of CV joints and U-joints, and see them in 3D action. Thank you.
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The beautiful digital animations created on this channel never cease to amaze me. Whoever is behind them, your work is really impressive.
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Balls and shafts jokes go here. Best one by April 1st gets $100 🤣
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Who doesn't love this? Amazing visuals and crisp voice narration. Plus everyone drives a car or has been in one!
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Wow that old timer video of the car going down that bank was crazy the whole car pivoted/twisted. Between front and rear axle. That was crazy
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damn... this is one of those channels i never miss to watch every upload. Keep up the good effort
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The RZEPPA joint is by far brilliant. I remember many years ago replacing the split rubber boot that covered this joint on my Honda and had to remove the shaft and disassemble the joint. I was astounded by the high precision and high surface finish on the internal workings of that joint. it was trick getting it apart and reassembling it too.
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Another banger. I love automotive related stuff
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you had me at ballcage
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I designed CVJ for 6 years based in my experience I can say your explanation was perfect
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Amazing graphics and a refined pace of learning from a tight script. Fab.
