What’s a torsion shaft?

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A torsion axle is a combined axle and suspension unit that provides suspension deflection through twisting of the axle bar within a steel sleeve lined with rubber compounds. It has been historically used on military vehicles, trailers, and equipment, but has declined in popularity since the late 1980s. Torsion axle systems are found primarily on tow trailers and provide non-independent suspension characteristics.

A torsion axle is a form of combined axle and suspension unit where suspension deflection is provided by twisting or twisting of the axle bar within a steel sleeve that is lined with rubber compounds to provide resistance to rotation. Torsion axle dynamics are based on the traditional use of torsion bar suspension. However, on systems with torsion bar suspension, vertical movement of the wheel causes the bar itself to rotate rather than rotate in a resistive sleeve.

Historically, torsion bar suspension has been used on a variety of military vehicles, trailers, and equipment. Use of this type of suspension became common in the mid to late 1930s, but has declined in popularity since the late 1980s. Benefits of this type of suspension include durability and easy ride height adjustment. handling and spring rate. The lack of adaptability in spring rate, as provided by standard coil spring suspension systems, has been known to lead to rough and bumpy rides.

Torque axle systems, which differ slightly in design, are found primarily on tow trailers due to the freewheeling nature of trailer wheels. In a torsion axle configuration, the two adjacent wheels are attached to the end of right angle trunnion sections located at each end of an interconnected straight metal bar. The connecting bar is manufactured in a variety of cross-sectional profiles depending on the company that produces the system.

As the trailer travels over bumps or rough terrain, vertical movement at the wheel produces a rotational effect at the interconnecting bar. To create a suspension effect, the straight bar passes through a sleeve that is firmly attached to the chassis of the vehicle or trailer. Torsional resistance is provided by a series of high-strength rubber sections running through this sleeve. As the bar rotates in the sleeve, the rubber sections compress, damping rotation and returning the wheels to their set ride height.

The shape of the torsion axle described above provides non-independent suspension characteristics since both wheels are attached to the same pivot bar. This means that if one wheel experiences vertical movement, the opposite wheel will also experience a percentage of that vertical movement. The amount of movement experienced by the opposite wheel is determined by the resistance to twist in the connecting rod; If the bar has a low resistance to twisting, then the opposite wheel may not experience any movement. Trailer torsion axle systems are also available with independent suspension, where the connecting rods for each wheel are spaced apart and terminate within the sleeve.




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