Origin of Drive Shaft

The term Drive shaft or Propeller Shaft was used in the mid-19th century for the first time. In 1861 Watkins and Bryson patented the term for a mowing machine where the shaft was used to transmit power from the wheels of the mowing machine to the cutting machine using a gear train.
In the 1890s the term drive shaft became quite common. In the year 1899 Bukey used this term for power transmission from wheel to the driven machinery using universal joints. The first use of drive shaft also known as propeller shaft in the automobile was done in the year 1901 by an automobile company in a gasoline car.

What is Propeller Shaft?

The Drive shaft also called Propeller Shaft or a Cardan Shaft is a component of the drive train in a vehicle, with the purpose of delivering torque from the Gear Box to the Differential, which then transmits this torque to the wheels in order to move the vehicle. The Drive Shaft or Propeller Shaft is a hollow tube-like structure with a combination of universal and slip spline joints. On one end, propeller shaft in connected to main transmission shaft by universal joint. On the other hand, it is connected to differential pinion shaft by another universal joint. Propeller shaft transmits the rotary motion of main transmission shaft (coming from gear box) to the differential so that rear wheels can be rotated. A sliding (slip) joint, is also fitted between universal joint and propeller shaft on transmission side which takes care of axial motion of propeller shaft. Propeller shaft is made of a steel tube which can withstand torsional stresses and vibrations at high speeds. It is important to note that the differential pinion shaft and transmission main shaft are not in single horizontal level. The rear axle and differential is attached to automobile frame via springs. Therefore, distance between differential and gear box keeps on changing as vehicle moves along irregular road surface. Angle of propeller shaft also changes due to this fact. Universal joints provided at two ends take care of these two changes. Drive shafts are used in Trucks, Cars, motorcycles, locomotives, and marine vessels and also in Machines. In all the Commercial Trucks, the engine is situated at the front end and it is used to drive the rear wheels.

Drive Shaft / Propeller Shaft Parts:-

Applications of Propeller shafts:

 Propeller shafts are used in constructional motor vehicles.
 They are also used in various heavy-duty machines.
 Propeller shafts are widely used in commercial automobiles.
 It is also used in ships for providing power to the propeller.