CONSIDERATIONS UPON A NEW TRIPOD JOINT SOLUTION

Abstract

The paper presents a new solution of tripod joint. The kinematical analysis is obtained for the general case in analytical form. For the general case, the transmission ratio is variable. The solution found for relative displace-ments between the elements of tripod joint is found analytically and allows obtaining the relative trajectory of the centers of spheres in the symmetry planes of the grooves. The analytical results are validated using an analysis with numerical model. For the particular case of equidistant spider arms and grooves respectively, the transmission ratio becomes constant. The manufacturing of the transmission can be obtained using only lower pairs and thus substantially decreasing the contact stresses, proved by FEA method. Further more, the lack from the actual mechanism of cylindrical joints reduces the risk of self-locking phenomenon.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.19.5.5539