High Speed Fixed Constant Velocity Joint for Automotive Driveshaft Applications

A fixed ball Constant Velocity joint has been developed and optimized specifically for automotive driveshafts with articulation angles greater than those permissible with cardan joints. The joint was developed both as an NVH solution to cardan joints and as a lightweight replacement for the centered double cardan joint which exists in many light truck applications today. The joint offers NVH improvements against cardan joints due to its CV nature, and significant improvement when compared to centered double cardan driveshafts because of reduced overhang, improved runout control, compact design and a 20% weight reduction. Internal geometry of the joint has been optimized to minimize heat generation during operation. The joint has been successfully endurance tested running at 75 kilowatts at angles of 10.