Patent · US Expired

Energy absorbing propeller shaft system

US7175532B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
15References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 9, 2004
Grant dateFeb 13, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 19, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16C3/02
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A dual-sectioned automotive propeller shaft features a weakened area in a first section. Under an axial load, the first section buckles transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft to absorb substantially all of the energy exerted against the shaft. A second section of the shaft is thereby isolated from consequences of the axial load enabling its placement and proximity to other components mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.