Story Behind the Invention
Inventor Alasdair William Michael MacDonald of Surrey, BC has created an apparatus that provides for the transfer of rotational energy through a variable angular displacement as provided by conventional constant velocity joints, but with multiple enhanced features.
Constant velocity joints are commonly used to transmit rotational energy through a variable angle displacement while keeping the load at a constant rotational speed. They are often seen in the drive train of both front and rear wheel drive vehicles. Such an application allows free travel range of the wheels, axles, and differentials while the engine and transmission remain relatively stationary with respect to the frame of the vehicle. While such constant velocity joints have worked well for generations, they are not without their fault. Their flexible nature typically requires operation inside of a flexible boot to retain lubrication, and keep out contaminants. Unfortunately, these boots are subject to frequent failure and costly replacement. Additionally, constant velocity joints based on current technology are somewhat large and complicated, making them expensive to produce. They are also expensive to operate when one considers the negative impact weight has on mileage performance of motor vehicles. Inventor MacDonald has created a means by which the constant velocity joint can be improved to address these issues.
This clever new invention is provided with enhanced properties. It is more efficient and reduces failures. It is simple to maintain and service. There are fewer moving parts. The use of the Constant Velocity Joint provides an alternative design to conventional constant velocity joints that is also more efficient, and cost effective to build and operate.