Axially collapsible driveshaft assembly and method of manufacturing same
US6368225B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7035
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A driveshaft assembly for use in a drive train system includes an inner driveshaft tube section including an end portion having an outer surface and an outer driveshaft tube section including an end portion having an inner surface. A plurality of axially extending wires is positioned on either the outer surface of the inner driveshaft tube section or on the inner surface of the outer driveshaft tube section. Then, the end portion of the outer driveshaft tube section is disposed about the end portion of the inner driveshaft tube section so as to define an overlapped region therebetween. At least one of the end portions of the inner and outer driveshaft tube sections is then deformed so as to compress the wires therebetween. As a result, recesses are formed in the outer surface of the inner driveshaft tube section and in the inner surface of the outer driveshaft tube section. The wires cooperate with the recesses to prevent relative axial and rotational movement between the inner driveshaft tube section and the outer driveshaft tube section during normal operating conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.