Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Jonathan Gretsky

Scott L Wilson

Christopher Peter Nicholas

Anthony Paskus

Gary Scott Nichols

Michael Carter

David Alan Robertson

Matthew Stephen Haggard

A vehicle axle includes first and second wheel hubs, first and second shafts, a hub lock, and a plug assembly. The first and second shafts extend into the first and second wheel hubs, respectively. The hub lock is configured to selectively couple the first shaft to the first wheel hub. The plug assembly is fixedly coupled to the second wheel hub and is fixedly coupled to the second shaft such that the second wheel hub, the second shaft, and the plug assembly rotate in unison.

Axle system for a vehicle

A constant velocity (CV) joint includes a conical shield to protect a J-boot from damage due to projectiles such as stones. In order to facilitate vehicle assembly, the conical shield is divided into a number of leaves which each flex radially to permit installation of bolts. When the CV joint is shipped to the vehicle assembly plant, a band is installed to hold the leaves in a stowed position. Once the bolts have been installed to attach the CV joint to a driveline component, the band is removed and the leaves flex to a deployed position in which they protect the J-boot.

Universal joint with protective shield

A constant velocity (CV) joint includes a shield to protect a J-boot from damage due to projectiles such as stones and to prevent ballooning. A rigid portion of the shield is fixed to a ring, which is adapted for fixation to a powertrain component such as a transmission. A flexible portion of the shield prevents projectiles from entering through the opening created by non-coincident axes of the shaft and ring. The flexible portion has a number of truncated conical panels with alternating orientation that accommodate the variable size opening by flexing in an accordion-like fashion.

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Trenton, MI, United States of America

Jonathan Gretsky