TCVJ
General Details
THOMPSON CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
Power Without Compromise: Thompson TCVJ® Constant-Velocity Joints
The Thompson Constant Velocity Joint (TCVJ®) rewrites the rules of driveline design, delivering true one-to-one shaft speed through large articulation angles while running cool, quiet, and virtually vibration-free. By eliminating the sliding interfaces found in traditional CV and universal joints, the Australian-engineered TCVJ® slashes energy losses and maintenance costs—making it the first choice for marine propulsion, monorail traction, heavy agriculture, and high-precision industrial machinery.
How the TCVJ® Works
At the heart of every TCVJ® is a patented spherical four-bar centring mechanism that keeps the dual yokes permanently bisected, guaranteeing constant angular velocity through each revolution. Because torque flows through rolling elements rather than sliding splines, the joint:
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Runs at near-ambient temperatures even under full load.
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Maintains >99.95% mechanical efficiency across rated speeds and angles.
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Exhibits negligible backlash, ensuring smooth load reversals in servo-critical systems.
Key Performance Advantages
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Wide-Angle Capability – Standard units operate continuously to 15°; specials reach 30° and prototypes up to 45° without speed derating.
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High Torque Density – Nominal ratings to 6,350 Nm with peak capacities to 20,000 Nm in the compact TCVJ-8000-10 size.
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Maintenance-Free Construction – Sealed bearings, no load-bearing sliding surfaces, and fully greased internals deliver multi-year L10 life with zero re-lubrication.
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Energy Savings – Independent tests show power-loss reductions of up to 10% versus elastomeric and conventional CV couplings when misaligned.
Model Range & Specifications
|
Model
|
Nominal Torque [Nm]
|
Max Torque [Nm]
|
Max Speed [rpm]
|
Full Angle [°]
|
Swing Ø [mm]
|
Length [mm]
|
Weight [kg]
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TCVJ-50-30
|
50
|
200
|
3,000
|
30
|
75
|
68
|
1.0
|
|
TCVJ-500-15
|
500
|
1,200
|
3,000
|
15
|
193
|
169
|
11.0
|
|
TCVJ-2000-15
|
2,000
|
7,700
|
2,500
|
15
|
260
|
225
|
22.0
|
|
TCVJ-5000-15
|
5,000
|
13,600
|
2,000
|
15
|
393
|
347
|
82.5
|
|
TCVJ-8000-10
|
6,350
|
20,000
|
1,600
|
±10
|
350
|
394
|
80.7
|
All models achieve >99.95% efficiency and withstand continuous service temperatures to 120 °C.
Real-World Success Stories
Marine Propulsion
A Queensland ferry fleet installed twin TCVJ-2000-15 joints between diesel engines and waterjets. After 18 months of round-the-clock operation, bearing temperatures remain within 5 °C of seawater ambient and vibration levels dropped by 40% versus the original cardan shafts.
Luxury Yacht Re-Power
A 32 m sport-fisher incorporated a single TCVJ-8000-10 to offset its propeller shaft by 10°, freeing critical engine-room space. Sea trials confirmed imperceptible driveline vibration and reduced hull-borne noise by 3 dB(A), enhancing passenger comfort.
Monorail Traction Drives
Urban transit authorities in Asia retrofitted TCVJ® couplings to move heavy traction motors off the bogie, cutting unsprung mass and track wear while delivering smoother ride quality.
Integration Flexibility
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Flange or Shaft Ends – Custom ISO-pattern flanges or splined stubs for drop-in replacement of cardan, Rzeppa, or elastomeric couplings.
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Modular Slip-Shafts – Optional sliding spacers accommodate axial float and facilitate fast gearbox removal in process plants.
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Corrosion-Resistant Builds – 316 SS and duplex options for offshore or caustic environments, with ATEX certification on request.
Rapid ROI & Lifecycle Payback
Users report annual maintenance savings exceeding US$25,000 on 500 kW pump trains by eliminating quarterly alignment checks and bearing replacements, achieving a payback period under 12 months.
Why Engineers Choose TCVJ®
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True Constant Velocity for precision processes.
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High Angle + High Torque capability unmatched by other CV technologies.
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Proven Field Reliability across marine, transport, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
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Sealed-for-Life Convenience—install once, forget for years.
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