Dana Corporation

Barry L Zackrisson

John A Beckman

The present invention relates to a unique fiber-reinforced metallic tubular element, along with a unique method for producing such tubular elements on a production basis. The tubular element includes a cylindrical aluminum tube surrounded by a fiber composite sleeve which includes a plurality of individual reinforcing graphite fibers oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and uniformly positioned about the circumference of the tube. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an isolation layer is positioned between the graphite reinforcing layer and the outer surface of the aluminum tube, and a protective covering layer of fiber material surrounds the tube and is adhered to the outer surface of the graphite reinforcing layer. In the preferred method of the present invention, a plurality of cylindrical metal tubes are coupled to one another in an end-to-end relationship by a plurality of joining plug members to form a longitudinally extending series of metal tubes. The series of metal tubes are fed along a longitudinal axis to an apparatus for applying the individual layers of the composite fiber sleeve along with a curable resin material to the tube. As the series of tubes having the cured composite sleeve thereon exits the apparatus, the tubes are severed at each of the joining plugs to produce a plurality of individual fiber reinforced tubular elements. Alternate methods of manufacturing the fiber reinforced tubular elements are also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the fiber reinforced tubular element is utilized as a vehicle drive shaft.

Composite tubular elements and methods of fabrication

Method of fabrication of composite reinforced drive shaft having end

A driveshaft having a heat-treated aluminum alloy tube and a heat-treated aluminum alloy connection member partially telescoped within each end of the tube and joined to it by welding. The tube has a constant outside diameter and a wall thickness which is constant throughout most of the length and which increases adjacent each end.

Driveshaft

A bearing race seal for universal joints has an improved coating member which retards intrusion of contaminants, and thus resists corrosion and early failure. The seal includes a metallic backbone with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and further includes an elastomeric coating member bonded to portions of the backbone. A preferred embodiment of the coating member includes an integral external sealing lip disposed for engagement with a trunnion or similar cross member of a universal joint, and an external body portion disposed for engagement with a journal yoke member.

Growing community of inventors

Richfield Center, OH, United States of America

Barry L Zackrisson