Analyses of Kinematic Characteristics of Tripod Constant Velocity Joints

Abstract

The closed loop equations of three spherical rollers, the tripod and the tripod housing are deduced for a prescribed position of the end point of the tripod shaft. The effective initial condition of the set of these twelve nonlinear equations is found out. Then, it is possible to simulate the relative motion of components of the tripod constant velocity joint with any values of kinematic constants. The output angle error, the fluctuation of the joint angle and the whirling motion of the tripod shaft are made cleare. Moreover, the influence of small changes of kinematic constants on the relative motion of components are evaluated.