Method of manufacturing a drive axle housing
US4756466A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49893
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a modified fast fade rear axle housing of rectangular cross-section having a shortened neck shape which is bent by hot forming preferably at temperatures of 1350.degree. F.-1650.degree. F. to maximize the torsional strength of the housing in the expanded annular section where the transition zone joins the center differential receiving portion and the beam arms of the axle. Two U sections are welded after being bent to provide parallel legs joined to a web by arcuate corner sections. The axially extending curvature of the corner sections and the web are respectively convexly defined by a first radius R.sub.1 measured from a true origin at the vertical axis of the differential receiving portion where it intersects the longitudinal axis of the axle and a second eccentric radius R.sub.2 measured from a displaced origin and concavely by blending radii R.sub.4 and R.sub.3 which are substantially less than corresponding blending radii in drive axle housings in which the convex curvature is concentric with the true origin. The blending radii and the eccentric radius values result in a shortened taper in the transitional zone which is about half that of a conventio…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.