Multi-Roller Balls for Constant Velocity Joints: Innovative Solution for Better Mechanical Efficiency and Durability 2005-01-0875

This paper presents a novel multi-roller ball that replaces the conventional solid steel balls in the constant velocity (CV) joints. A ball in a torque-loaded CV joint is subject to at least three contact forces from the cage, the inner race and the outer race. The conflicting nature of the friction and contact forces at the three contact points makes the balls undergo a sliding contact rather than a rolling contact. Such sliding contact has been known to be the source of the mechanical loss, higher articulation and plunge efforts, temperature build-up and the durability problems. The multi-roller ball solves these problems by providing individual rolling contact elements to the cage, the inner race and the outer race, respectively.