Torque-traction Technologies, Inc.

Dana Corporation

Gerald L Myers

James A Duggan

Calvin W Szymkowiak

A method for rotatably balancing a driveshaft includes the initial step of using a conventional balancing apparatus is used to determined the size and location of the balance weights needed to properly balance the driveshaft. Next, an adhesive material is applied to either or both of the driveshaft and the balance weight. The balance weight is preferably formed having an inner surface that is curved to conform with the curvature of the outer surface of the driveshaft. The preferred balance weight is further formed having a relatively thin outer peripheral rim portion having a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth formed thereon. The overall size of the balance weight may be varied to provide differing amounts of weight for facilitating the balancing process. A sufficient quantity of adhesive material is provided between the driveshaft and the balance weight such that when the balance weight is pressed against the driveshaft, at least a portion of the adhesive material is extruded outwardly into contact with at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the balance weight. The extruded portion of the adhesive material is then exposed to an accelerated curing process, such as ultraviolet radiation, heat, and the like, so as to cure at least that portion of the adhesive material to temporarily secure the balance weight to the driveshaft, thereby allowing the driveshaft to be immediately re-tested on the balancing apparatus to confirm that proper rotational balance has been achieved. The uncured first portion of the adhesive material located between the driveshaft and the balance weight will later cure without the use of any accelerated curing process to permanently secure the balance weight to the driveshaft.

Method for balancing a vehicle driveshaft

A balance weight is secured to a driveshaft tube for rotatably balancing the driveshaft tube during use. The balance weight includes a first inner layer of material and a second outer layer of material that are secured together to form an integral unit. The first and second layers of material may be secured together in any desired manner, such as by adhesives, pressure bonding, tinning, and the like. The inner layer is preferably sufficiently flexible to bend with the driveshaft tube during use and is preferably formed from a material that does not react with either the material used to form the driveshaft tube, the material used to secure the inner layer to the driveshaft tube, or the environment in which the inner layer is used in such a manner as to reduce the ability of the balance weight to be retained on the driveshaft tube. The inner layer can be formed from a stainless steel alloy having a relatively small thickness that allows it to bend with the driveshaft tube during use. The outer layer is preferably formed from a material that also is capable of bending with the driveshaft tube during use, but has high weight density so as to be capable of balancing the driveshaft tube while maintaining a relatively small physical size. The outer layer may be formed from lead or a lead alloy material having a relatively large thickness. One or more grooves may be formed in the outer surface of the outer layer to facilitate flexing of the outer layer with the driveshaft tube. The balance weight is secured to the outer surface of the driveshaft tube by a layer of adhesive that bonds the inner layer of the balance weight to the outer surface of the driveshaft tube.

Balance weight for vehicular driveshaft

An end fitting for use in a vehicular drive shaft assembly includes a body having a cylindrical sleeve portion extending therefrom. The sleeve portion of the end fitting has a plurality of recessed areas formed therein which extend longitudinally from a first end of the sleeve portion to a second end thereof. The recessed areas may be defined by planar surfaces which intersect the sleeve portion of the end fitting at a slight angle relative to the axis of rotation thereof. Each of the recessed areas has a cross sectional shape defined by a radial depth and a chordal width. The cross sectional shapes of the recessed areas vary along the lengths thereof. Preferably, the radial depths and the chordal widths are at minimum values adjacent the first end of the sleeve portion of the end fitting and are at maximum values adjacent the second end of the sleeve portion. To assemble the drive shaft assembly, adhesive is applied either to the outer chordal surface of the sleeve or to the inner cylindrical surface of a drive shaft tube. Then, the sleeve portion of the end fitting is inserted within the drive shaft tube such that the outer surface of the sleeve portion engages the inner cylindrical surface of the drive shaft tube in a light press relationship. As the leading edge of the end fitting is inserted within the drive shaft tube, the adhesive is urged to flow into the recessed areas. The adhesive material is subsequently cured to form an adhesive bond between the end fitting and the inner cylindrical surface of the drive shaft tube.

Growing community of inventors

Maumee, OH, United States of America

Gerald L Myers