Abstract
Tripod constant velocity joints are used in the driveshafts of front wheel drive vehicles. Thrust force generated by this joint causes lateral vibration in these vehicles. This paper surveys some methods for reducing the thrust force based on the mechanisms inducing the thrust force, focusing on a method that creates dual contact between a roller and groove. This method has the advantage of requiring only a few design modifications, but its thrust force reduction mechanism has yet to be clarified. Therefore, a theory was constructed to describe the induction of thrust force by this method through the application of sliding velocities generated between the roller and dual contact groove. Subsequently, the effect of the thrust force reduction was investigated. This paper also describes the appropriateness of this theory. It was validated by comparing theoretical results with computational results based on a multibody dynamics approach and with experimental results of a prototype joint equipped with the dual contact grooves.
