Tandem axle assembly with different hypoid offsets
US6514169B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/426
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tandem axle assembly is provided. The tandem axle assembly includes a forward axle assembly and a rear axle assembly and an intermediate drive shaft assembly extending between the two axle assemblies. The forward and rear axle assemblies both include a pinion gear rotating responsive to an inter-axle differential and a ring gear in mesh with the pinion gear. The forward pinion gear is offset from the forward ring gear by a first predetermine distance while the rear pinion gear is offset from the rear ring ear by a second predetermined distance. The second predetermined distance is greater than zero, but is less than the first predetermined distance. The variation in offsets enables both equal working angles in the intermediate drive shaft assembly and a reduction in those angles as compared to conventional tandem axle assemblies. Further, the variation in offset results in stronger and quieter gearing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.