Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited

Meritor Suspension Systems Company, Inc.

Tom Sanko

Ronald N Brissette

Christos T Kyrtsos

Jack Darrin Oates

Jim Hawkins

Patrick L Kurzeja

Christopher S Keeney

Chris Keeney

Dale K Bell

David K Platner

John L Bennett

Michael E Johnson

Jyh-Chiang Wang

Patrick Kurzeja

James R Hawkins

A method of fabricating a driveline assembly including the steps of inserting a first member within a second member, heating the first member to a temperature greater than that of the second member and inserting both members into a die. The inner surface of the die includes an interlocking torque transferring profile. Fluid pressure is applied to the inner diameter of the inner member to expand both members into the profile on the inner surface of the die. The inner and outer members are then removed from the die and cooled such that both members are at a common temperature. Because the inner member was at an elevated temperature, and thereby expanded a greater amount than the outer member, cooling of the members results in a clearance between the members that provides for relative axial movement between the inner and outer members.

Drive shaft manufacturing process

An universal joint dissipates shock and reduces torsional vibration to the elements of the universal joint. An elastomeric material, such as a polyurethane, is introduced between the bores of the yokes of the joint and the respective adjacent bearing cups that are mounted on the shafts of the cross bar.

Vibration absorbing universal joint

A suspension for a heavy duty vehicle is provided that includes a frame. A lower linkage is supported by the frame at a first pivotal connection. A drive axle assembly is supported by a lower linkage at a second pivotal connection. The drive axle assembly includes an input shaft defining a pinion angle. An upper linkage interconnects the drive axle assembly and the frame at third and fourth pivotal connections, respectively. The upper linkage includes an adjustment member, such as a turnbuckle, for modifying the length of the upper linkage to obtain a predetermined pinion angle. In this manner, the pinion angle may be adjusted upon assembly of the suspension system. Furthermore, by permitting the drive axle assembly to pivotally move relative to the linkages, the pinion angle may be maintained during suspension movement.

Heavy duty truck suspension with drive axle

A driveline assembly for interconnecting one driveline component to another driveline component includes a vibration dampening mechanism. The vibration dampening mechanism is installed between a universal joint member and a companion flange. The universal joint member is coupled to a driveshaft and the companion flange is coupled to a drive axle member. A resilient member is secured between the universal joint and the companion flange for absorbing vibrations transmitted between the axle member and the driveshaft. Together the universal joint and companion flange define a central axis. The resilient member is compressible in a linear direction along the central axis to absorb vibrations.

Driveline assembly with vibration dampener

A system measures multiple operational angles of a driveline assembly and compares the signals to each other to determine whether the angles and the respective driveline components are properly balanced. Different types of sensor assemblies can be used to measure the operational angles including various types of contact and non-contact sensors. In one example, the operational angle between one axle differential case and a corresponding universal joint can be compared to the operational angle between another axle differential case and corresponding universal joint mounted at an opposite end of the driveline. If the angles are equal or very close to one another than the angles are properly balanced. If the ratio between the two angles exceeds a predetermined limit, the driveline components are not properly balanced and the components can be repositioned to avoid premature wear.

Method and apparatus for measuring driveline angles

A method for automatically controlling angles in a driveline of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes an air-wide suspension system, and the driveline includes a drive shaft driven through a universal joint. The universal joint produces a rotational velocity that is detected by a sensor of a control assembly. A controller, also part of the control assembly, converts the rotational velocity into alternating rotational acceleration and deceleration of the drive shaft. Once quantified, the acceleration and deceleration of the drive shaft is compared to determine any changes in rotational acceleration. In response to any changes in rotational acceleration, the air-ride suspension system is adjusted to control the driveline angle at one end of the drive shaft such that the driveline angle at one end is balanced relative to the driveline angle at the other end of the drive shaft, and noise, vibration, fatigue, or failure of the drive shaft is reduced.

Driveline angle control assembly and method for controlling driveline angles in a vehicle

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Troy, MI, United States of America

Tom Sanko