Kardántengelyen
Kardántengelyen is a Hungarian term referring to a cardan shaft, also known as a propeller shaft or driveshaft. This is a mechanical component that transmits torque from a power source to another component. In vehicles, it is most commonly used to connect the transmission to the differential, transferring engine power to the wheels. The cardan shaft is characterized by its ability to transmit rotation even when there is an angle between the input and output shafts. This is achieved through the use of one or more universal joints, often called "kardáncsukló" in Hungarian, at its ends. These joints allow for angular misalignment, which is essential in vehicles where the drivetrain components may move relative to each other due to suspension travel or chassis flex. The length of the cardan shaft is crucial for proper operation and is typically designed to minimize vibrations. It is usually a hollow tube to reduce weight while maintaining strength. In some applications, a constant velocity (CV) joint may be used instead of or in addition to universal joints to provide smoother power transmission, especially at larger angles. The term "kardántengelyen" specifically refers to the shaft itself and its function within a system.