Method of fabricating a shaft assembly
US7143510B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49913
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assembly provides metallic ends to a composite shaft and a method of fabricating such an assembly. The composite shaft is preferably comprised of reinforced fibers. A metallic inner sleeve is positioned in the cavity of one end of the shaft. A metallic outer sleeve is positioned around the end of the shaft having the inner sleeve therein. The outer sleeve may include structural features, such as dimples, that ensure a stable connection between the sleeve and the shaft. The sleeves are compressibly forced onto the shaft, thereby forming the assembly. Both sleeves are metallic, and therefore provide a surface onto which weld joints can be formed. A preferred method of assembly includes the steps of expanding the inner sleeve and compressing the outer sleeve against the shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.