NTN Receives 2022 Friction Society Technical Award, Innovating Fixed Constant Velocity Joint To Reduce Torque Loss

NTN Corporation (hereinafter referred to as NTN) has been honored with the "2022 Japan Friction Society Technical Award" for its development of the high-efficiency fixed constant velocity joint (CFJ). This product, incorporating NTN's original "spherical cross-groove structure," significantly reduces torque loss and makes important contributions to reducing fuel and electrical consumption in automobiles.

A constant velocity joint (CVJ) is a drivetrain component that transfers the rotation and power from the engine or motor to the wheels. In addition to its function of steering the wheels, a fixed CVJ also serves the purpose of transmitting rotation and torque. Traditional fixed CVJs experience increased torque loss when transmitting force to the internal components, as the force applied to these components is unidirectional, resulting in increased torque loss that grows with the working angle.

The CFJ adopts NTN's original "spherical cross-groove structure," which eliminates the internal forces generated during torque transmission. As a result, the torque loss rate is reduced by over 50% compared to NTN's traditional products, effectively suppressing the increase in torque loss at large working angles.

According to estimates based on the JAPIA LCI calculation guidelines, replacing NTN's traditional products with CFJ will reduce fuel consumption in internal combustion engine vehicles by 0.62% and carbon dioxide emissions by 0.96g/km. Furthermore, adopting CFJ can improve the power generation efficiency of energy recovery systems, significantly saving fuel and electrical energy consumption in vehicles equipped with such systems, including electric and hybrid vehicles.

The reason NTN received the 2022 Japan Friction Society Technical Award is that CFJ significantly improves the existing structural concept by employing the independently developed "spherical cross-groove structure." While maintaining the lightweight, compactness, strength, and durability of NTN's traditional products, the torque loss rate is reduced by over 50%, making it a groundbreaking product. By replacing NTN's traditional products with CFJ, fuel and electrical energy can be saved, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and contributing to carbon neutrality.

In conclusion, NTN's high-efficiency fixed constant velocity joint CFJ has been honored with this prestigious award due to its innovative design and outstanding performance.