Develop New Innovative Driveline Designs and Components for Improved Service Life, Performance and Durability

PPMA, LLC, proposes development of an innovative universal joint for Class 8 Trucks that is lubrication-free, requires no maintenance, and improves operational performance. It will rely on unique surface design (GC) technology, proven on the HMMWV in field tests. The technology received the Army 1995 Quality Award and acclaim at the 2004 NATO RTE Conference. To meet greater torque load requirements of Class 8 trucks, we propose to develop a high strength lubricious material, interactively integrated with surface configurations determined by GC calculations. Bench testing will demonstrate increased load-carrying capacity of this new tribological system. The design promises solutions to driveline wobbulation and vibrations, which lead to catastrophic driveline failures, and often cause contiguous subsystem damage. It removes all moving parts (roller needles and washers). There is no need for channels in the cross to serve as grease reservoirs. The stronger cross improves its performance, durability, reliability, fuel efficiency, and readiness.