Internationale Partnersuche

Innovation & Technologie Angebot

Patented new innovative torque coupling technology with applications in automotive, aerospace, industrial and marine sectors

Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Reference Number: TOUK20170911001
Publication Date: 15 September 2017

Summary

UK SME has developed several innovative torque coupling technologies with applications in automotive, aerospace, industrial and marine sectors. The couplings combine the benefits of a gear coupling with the functionality of a universal joint, occupying a unique space in the market as a cross over technology. Evaluation/development and/or manufacturing partners with a route to global market are sought together with private investors. Cooperation on a licence and/or financial agreement basis.

Description

The UK SME’s was established in September 2013 to patent and commercialise their novel torque transmission technologies.  Their primary business activity is therefore in the development of patents for torque coupling products and licensing of this intellectual property to manufacturing companies. They seek to work collaboratively with partners to further develop products for specific applications that keep those companies at the forefront of their own sectors. 



They have developed and patented novel products from their patent portfolio:



•	A new and original design for a geometric flexible torque coupling that can be used to replace traditional couplings such as universal joints and gear couplings. Unique in that it only has one moving part using a radical reinterpretation of the well-established cardan joint mechanism to transmit power between misaligned shafts. This novel approach achieves cardan motion in a unique way, creating an extremely compact and robust torque coupling. This offers unique systems integration opportunities, reduced parts count and the potential to redefine torque transmission.



The SME has spent considerable expenditure on engineering development and test programmes to mitigate the perceived technology risks by potential licensees/development partners for the technology.  They have also achieved substantial innovation funding and obtained key market research on the market opportunities for their products.



The senior management team has a common history of leadership at the cutting edge of technology development. This was gained in management and consultancy roles with companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and GKN. United by a desire to apply this large-scale industry experience to cutting edge innovation, and to champion pioneers of British industry, their expertise includes mechanical systems design, the design and manufacture of special purpose machinery, and stress engineering. This ensures their coupling technologies have the highest industry expertise applied to its ongoing development and testing.



They now offer an opportunity to ambitious organisations with the vision to develop innovative engineering solutions in partnership.  This can include evaluation and development partners, investors and manufacturing licensees capable of providing a route to market for global commercialisation. Cooperation on a financial or licence agreement basis will be considered.

Advantages and Innovations

The product is a major innovation with end users across a vast number of industries.



Flexible torque couplings - key advantages have been identified as being:



1.	Outperform equivalent sized universal joints and gear couplings

• reduced length & weight

• increased torque, speed, power, misalignment capability



2.	Offer unique advantages and cost benefits, at both coupling and system level

• can be concentrically supported in transmission casings or bearing housings



3.	Lower manufacturing cost

• because of reduced weight, parts count and complexity, manufacturing cost is at least 30% less than an equivalent universal joint



4.	Increased power transmission efficiency 

• lighter design, less energy required to accelerate & decelerate rotation

• shorter design, could also be mounted directly into transmission casings

• potential to increase driveshaft length therefore reducing angular misalignment, thereby increasing power transmission efficiency



5.	Very robust design

• sealing arrangements eliminates reliance on fragile rubber boots 

• fully enclosed design less susceptible to mechanical damage

Stage Of Development

Prototype available for demonstration

Stage Of Development Comment

Further product development/testing of the torque couplings on industrial dynamometers and in field trials under higher loads and speeds necessary is required to establish life and efficiency of torque couplings

Requested partner

•	Under financial agreement 



To maximise on the commercial potential of the technologies investors willing provide investment enable the SME to accelerate their product prototype manufacture and testing regime and employ further resources to find and engage with more interested parties who can exploit technologies within their markets.



Therefore, an angel investor, investment fund, or international conglomerate who are interested in funding the further research, development and exploitation of the patented technology. An investor is sought with the patience and vision to see the global growth opportunity. 



•	Under licence agreement 



Product development partners with the specialist knowledge in the torque coupling market. Potential partners for example could be original equipment manufacturers and/or industrial partners with the capability to support:



1. 	technology and market potential evaluation

2.	product development/testing of the torque couplings on industrial dynamometers and in field trials under higher loads and speeds necessary to establish life and efficiency of torque couplings

3.	manufacture

4.	marketing

5.	distribution and sales