GKN Driveline Launches Its Face Spline Innovation for CVJ Sideshafts
FRANKFURT, Germany--IAA, Frankfurt -- The automotive Tier One supplier GKN Driveline is launching its patented Face Spline hub connection for CVJ sideshafts.
The new technology offers vehicle manufacturers an improved method of assembly compared to the traditional stem design commonly used to fix constant velocity-jointed (CVJ) sideshafts with wheel-hubs. Face Spline technology will soon debut on GKN Driveline sideshafts for two new cars from a European premium brand manufacturer.
The patented Face Spline design offers vehicle manufacturers a new value proposition. It differs from the traditional stem design in that it is easier to assemble and service; it eliminates backlash at the connection and offers assembly-time savings to the vehicle manufacturer. In addition, the technology offers higher stiffness and an un-sprung mass reduction of around 20 percent compared to conventional assemblies. Torque transfer also can be up to 50 percent higher than on conventional assemblies due to the greater diameter of the bell.
Rob Rickell, global engineering director for GKN Driveline said, “In our relentless search for improved component performance with overall weight and cost benefits, we continue to explore all possibilities. The Face Spline development successfully achieves a number of goals including better driving dynamics. We currently have nine manufacturers examining the potential benefits for their future models. The first application will launch later this year with volume production increasing in 2010.”
Editor’s notes:
About GKN Driveline
GKN Driveline is the world’s leading supplier of automotive driveline components and systems. As a global company serving the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline components – for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex driving dynamics.
GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of sideshafts, propshafts, mechanically and electronically controlled torque management systems and associated geared components. www.gkndriveline.com
About the GKN Group
GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, industrial, off-highway and aerospace markets. It has operations in more than 30 countries, at 31st December 2008 it had nearly 40,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and had sales of £4.4 billion in the year ended 31 December 2008. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN). www.gkn.com
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