News Article
GKN Driveline launches its Face Spline Innovation for CVJ Sideshafts
IAA, Frankfurt, 16th September, 2009
In another innovation from GKN Driveline, the automotive Tier One supplier is launching its patented Face Spline hub connection for CVJ sideshafts.
This 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 of 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% compared to conventional assemblies. Torque transfer can be up to 50% higher than on conventional assemblies due to the greater diameter of the bell.
Rob Rickell, global engineering director for GKN Driveline: “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.”
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.
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).
Company Contact:
Paul Dinwiddy
Global Communication Director
GKN Driveline
Tel: + 44 1527 533 646
Mob: + 44 7801 077 523
Email:
paul.dinwiddy@gkndriveline.com
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