Freudenberg develops rubber-based CV joint

ERJ staff report (DS)

Weinheim, Germany -- Freudenberg has developed a new form of elastomer-based constant velocity joint. The company says the development breaks a competitor's 25-year monopoly in a very specific area of vibration control technology.

The elastic constant velocity joint which went into production in December, and is being sold to BMW, offers automakers an alternative to the rubber flexible disks known as hardy disks which have to date been exclusively produced by one single manufacturer.

The elastic constant velocity joint is the brainchild of a very determined development team headed by Markus Dürre. "We have demonstrated that an idea many believed impossible is in fact a viable solution," says Frank Hofhansl, Head of the Lead Center Dampers and Driveshafts in Neuenburg.

The elastic constant velocity joint is fitted to the drive shaft and ensures the drivetrain and rear axle of all-wheel and real-wheel drive vehicles are decoupled from the rotational speed irregularities of the engine.

The innovation is fitted at the interface between the engine and the propshaft. The elastic constant velocity joint is helps to de-couple noise and vibration. Movement along the axle and angular alignment are decoupled by a second rubber track in the single bushings. Another special feature is the air gap between the outer rubber track and the aluminum support. This means the elastic constant velocity joint functions very well in decoupling vibrations at different torques and can therefore be accurately adjusted to any given drive situation. Problems such as impact noise during downhill descent no longer occur.

Following on from the first successful series ramp-up at BMW, Vibracoustic sees significant potential for the coming years. Apart from the European market, the Freudenberg Business Group has also set its sights on America and Asia. In addition, it is planned to test truck applications on a new in-house development test rig.

This is an external link and should open in a new window. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Press release from Freudenberg