A combination of extreme heat, dust and combustion debris is not the best working environment for any coupling. But it proved ruinous for the initial brand that was specified for a position sensing system on a truck-mounted missile launcher.
These conditions created a viscous mass that resulted in the coupling becoming completely solidified. Repeated failure of the brand was the outcome and Huco Dynatork was asked to propose a solution. The coupling specialist was suited to the task for two reasons. Many of its products have a proven track record for reliable operation in very aggressive environments. And as a manufacturer of the broadest variety of coupling types on the market, it was able to provide a custom-design that was optimally suited to the needs of this defence application.
The result was a purpose-made coupling based on the Huco Dynatork standard 19mm diameter stainless steel Multi-Beam. This intrinsically balanced product has proved itself a highly cost-competitive method of accommodating any combination of axial motion and angular and parallel misalignment. Its compact one-piece construction has no wearing elements to compromise service life.
Huco Dynatork continues to invest heavily in its production methods, not only to provide quality assured couplings at a good price but also to allow the cost-efficient manufacture of non-standard products. This ability enabled the company to produce economically, a stretched version of its 6-beam Multi-Beam for the rocket launcher positioning system.
As well as being nearly double the standard length, the Multi-Beam design was also modified to accept a specially moulded neoprene gaiter. This key element effectively shields the beam mechanism from debris attack. The adapted Multi-Beam proved to be fit for purpose, and was swiftly retrofitted to a fleet of armoured launch vehicles.
For further information about custom-designed couplings from Huco Dynatork, go to the website at www.huco.com.