Analysis and optimization for generated axial force of Adjustable Angular Roller tripod joint

The tripod constant velocity joint (CVJ) has been widely used in mechanical systems due to its strong load-bearing capacity, high efficiency, and reliability. It has become the most commonly used plunging-type CVJ in automotive drive-shaft. A generated axial force (GAF) with a third-order characteristic of driven shaft speed is caused by the internal friction and motion characteristics in a tripod joint. The large GAF has a negative impact on the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) characteristics of automobiles, and this issue is particularly prominent in new energy vehicles. A multi-body dynamic model of the Adjustable Angular Roller (AAR) tripod CVJ is developed to calculate and analyze the GAF. To describe the internal motion of the AAR tripod CVJ, the contact interactions between the roller and the track or the trunnion were modeled using non-linear equivalent spring-damping models for contact collision forces and modified Coulomb friction model for friction. An axial force test was conducted on a test bench to validate the accuracy of the multi-body dynamic model. In order to reduce the GAF of the AAR tripod CVJ, the contact parameters of the internal structure were selected as design variables. Sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the impact of each contact parameter on the GAF. The results show that the radius of the outer roller and the race are the main factors affecting the GAF of the AAR tripod CVJ. Based on a combination of bench experiments and numerical simulation analysis, this study provides theoretical references and guidance for the research methods, optimization methods, and influencing factors analysis of the dynamic characteristics of CVJ. These findings have a certain theoretical and practical significance for improving the NVH characteristics and the development of CVJ assemblies.