American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

Donald Joseph Kurecka

David Paul Schankin

Salvatore N Grupido

Zhaohui Sun

Jeffrey N Heaton

Mark Norman Ranek

Mary Ellen Armitage

Robert J Wehner

Thomas J Oldenburg

Karthik Sivakumar

A method for evaluating energy transmission from an axle through a vehicle suspension system. The methodology employs a torsional actuator to apply input energy to the vehicle in a manner that mimics the energy that is generated by the axle during the operation of the vehicle so that both the driving load and the vibration induced by gearset motion variation are simulated. Since the energy input can be quantified and monitored, the same amount of torque can be applied during each test to permit the technician to fully comprehend differences in the designs of several axles on the transmission of noise and vibration.

Torsional actuation NVH test method

A shaft structure and at least two non-identical inserts. The shaft structure has a cavity and vibrates in response to the receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that at least two second bending mode anti-nodes are generated in spaced relation to one another along the longitudinal axis of the shaft structure. Each of the inserts is disposed within the longitudinally extending cavity at a position that approximately corresponds to an associated one of the anti-nodes. A method for attenuating noise transmission from a vehicle driveline is also disclosed.

Propshaft assembly with vibration attenuation and assembly method therefor

A shaft structure and at least two insert members. The shaft structure has a longitudinally extending cavity and is configured to vibrate in response to the receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that at least two second bending mode anti-nodes are generated in spaced relation to one another along the longitudinal axis of the shaft structure. The insert members are disposed within the longitudinally extending cavity and engage an inner wall of the shaft structure. Each of the insert members is located at a position that approximately corresponds to an associated one of the anti-nodes and has a density that is tailored to an anticipated displacement of the associated anti-node. A method for attenuating noise transmission from a vehicle driveline is also disclosed.

Foam lined propshaft

The invention provides a tube assembly containing an extruded torque tube ( ) and two yokes ( ) welded to either end of the tube. The tube is made from a base material metal and boron carbide particles in a ratio of approximately between 2:1 to 10:1 by weight. In another embodiment, a driveshaft assembly includes the above tube assembly with a front universal joint ( ) and slip yoke ( ) attached to a front end, and a rear universal joint ( ) attached to a rear end. An axle yoke ( ) is coupled at the rear universal joint ( ).

Boron carbide aluminum driveshaft tube

A universal joint for interconnecting a pair of rotating shafts and a method of assembling the universal joint. The universal joint includes a pair of yokes secured to the shafts and a cruciform for interconnecting the yokes. Both yokes are bifurcated to define a pair of laterally-spaced legs. Each leg has an aperture which includes a first bore adapted to receive a bearing cup therein and a second bore into which an end portion of the bearing cup extends. Each bearing cup rotatably supports one of four orthogonal trunnions extending from the cruciform. With respect to each of the yokes, a pair of axially-aligned trunnions, with bearing cups mounted thereon, are installed into the apertures so as to support the cruciform between the legs of the yoke. Thereafter, a retention member is inserted in the second bore of each aperture such that one surface of the retention member rests on the bearing cup. After the rotary axis of the first shaft is aligned with the rotary axis of the second shaft, an edge portion of the legs surrounding the second bore of each aperture is deformed to define one or more projections which engage the opposite surface of the retention member. The projections secure the retention members within the second bore of the apertures, thereby fixing the axial position of the bearing cups and trunnions relative to the yoke.

Universal joint with thrust washer

A universal joint includes a yoke with a leg having an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture includes an annular groove. The universal joint also includes a cruciform having a trunion, a bearing cup positioned in the aperture and mounted on the trunion and a retention member including an outer ring having a first surface and a second surface. The retention member further includes a spring tab axially extending beyond the first surface and disposed within the aperture such that the spring tab biasedly engages the bearing cup. The second surface of the retention member is at least partially disposed within the groove.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester Hills, MI, United States of America

Donald Joseph Kurecka