Method of forming a drive shaft
US5951794A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2204/20
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods for making an aluminum drive shaft for automobiles or trucks or other drive shaft applications from aluminum alloy tube and methods for making drive shafts. The method includes providing an aluminum tube member is joined to drive shaft end members. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a 6000 series type alloy; (b) extruding the alloy within about 500.degree. to 800.degree. F. into a hollow elongate tube; (c) drawing the tube to a reduction of at least 15% in metal cross-sectional area; (d) solution heat treating the alloy at a temperature of at least about 990.degree. F. and then quenching; and (e) reducing the diameter of the tube and increasing the tube wall thickness to provide a relatively short tube length of reduced diameter, a transition section and thicker wall thickness at one or both ends of a drive shaft suitable length of said tube. The transition section has a non-linear wall. In a preferred embodiment, the transition section has central circumferential stiffener section. In a more preferred embodiment the central circumferential stiffener section has a slope of from 0.degree. to 5.degree.. The circumferential steps stiffen the transition section and …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.