Drive shaft manufacturing process

US6698076B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited · US

Inventors

• Ronald N. Brissette · Oxford, US
• Dale Bell · Ortonville, US
• John L. Bennett · Fraser, US
• Michael E. Johnson · Chenoa, US
• David K. Platner · Shelby, US
• Tom Sanko · Troy, US
• Jyh-Chiang Wang · Chesterfield Township, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 7, 2002
• Grant date: Mar 2, 2004
• Expiry date: Feb 18, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T403/7026
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of fabricating a driveline assembly including the steps of inserting a first member within a second member, heating the first member to a temperature greater than that of the second member and inserting both members into a die. The inner surface of the die includes an interlocking torque transferring profile. Fluid pressure is applied to the inner diameter of the inner member to expand both members into the profile on the inner surface of the die. The inner and outer members are then removed from the die and cooled such that both members are at a common temperature. Because the inner member was at an elevated temperature, and thereby expanded a greater amount than the outer member, cooling of the members results in a clearance between the members that provides for relative axial movement between the inner and outer members.