Abstract: A tripot constant velocity joint includes a housing defining a guide channel. A spider member is received within the housing and includes a trunnion having a functional outer surface with a convex profile defined by a first principal radius of curvature and a second principal radius of curvature different from the first principal radius of curvature. A first inner surface of a first ball member engages the functional outer surface of the trunnion. A first outer surface of the first ball member is provided with a non-symmetric piecewise continuous profile that engages the first sidewall.

Abstract: A tripot constant velocity joint includes a housing defining a guide channel. A spider member is received within the housing and includes a trunnion having a functional outer surface with a convex profile defined by a first principal radius of curvature and a second principal radius of curvature different from the first principal radius of curvature. A first inner surface of a first ball member engages the functional outer surface of the trunnion. A first outer surface of the first ball member is provided with a non-symmetric piecewise continuous profile that engages the first sidewall.

Abstract: A rolling-element telescoping shaft assembly for connecting a driveshaft and transmitting a torque includes an outer shaft member extending along a longitudinal axis and defines an interior bore and inner surface. An inner shaft member is at least partially disposed within the bore and telescopically moveable relative thereto along the axis and defines an outer surface. Rolling-element outer grooves are arranged in the inner surface, distributed around the axis, and functional (i.e., used for transmitting a torque). Outer recesses are defined between the outer grooves and define a shorter distance between adjacent torque-transmitting outer grooves. Rolling-element inner grooves are defined on the outer surface and distributed around the axis. Rolling elements are rollingly arranged in the outer and inner grooves and rollingly engage the outer and inner shaft members during telescoping movement of the shaft assembly to reduce friction therebetween.

Abstract: A tripot constant velocity joint includes a housing defining a guide channel. A spider member is received within the housing and includes a trunnion having a functional outer surface with a convex profile defined by a first principal radius of curvature and a second principal radius of curvature different from the first principal radius of curvature. A first inner surface of a first ball member engages the functional outer surface of the trunnion. A first outer surface of the first ball member is provided with a non-symmetric piecewise continuous profile that engages the first sidewall.

Abstract: A component of a torque-transmitting joint is provided that includes bearing surfaces that engage adjacent components, wherein the bearing surfaces of the plurality of trunnions define unique surface texturing and lubrication. Additional configurations of the torque-transmitting joint, methods of manufacture, and methods of dimensional inspection are also provided by the present disclosure. As a result, break-in time and generated axial force (GAF) of the torque-transmitting joint are significantly reduced.

Abstract: A drive-shaft-connecting, torque-transmitting telescoping shaft assembly is provided. The assembly includes an outer shaft member extending along a longitudinal axis and defines an interior bore and inner surface. An inner shaft member is at least partially disposed within the bore and telescopically moveable relative thereto along the axis and defines an outer surface. Rolling-element outer grooves are arranged in the inner surface, distributed around the axis, and functional (i.e., used for transmitting a torque). Outer recesses are defined between the outer grooves and define a shorter distance between adjacent torque-transmitting outer grooves. Rolling-element inner grooves are defined on the outer surface and distributed around the axis. Rolling elements are rollingly arranged in the outer and inner grooves and rollingly engage the outer and inner shaft members during telescoping movement of the shaft assembly to reduce friction therebetween.