Stefan Tojcic

Title: Innovator Spotlight: Stefan Tojcic

Introduction

Stefan Tojcic is a notable inventor located in Windsor, California. With a strong focus on automotive technologies, he has successfully secured two patents that reflect his innovative contributions to the field. His work emphasizes the significant advancements in automotive components, particularly in differential gear systems.

Latest Patents

Tojcic's latest patents include the following innovative developments:

1. **Orbitally Formed Hypoid Pinion Gear** - This invention features a pinion shaft assembly designed to facilitate the assembly of an automotive differential. It includes an angular contact double row ball bearing that is assembled to an outer surface of a hollow pinion shaft. The design establishes and maintains an axial pre-load by orbitally forming an outwardly turned portion of the shaft. In various embodiments, the assembly can either incorporate inner rings or form a raceway directly on the shaft to optimize efficiency. The spline integration allows for secure fixation to the driveshaft, ensuring reliable performance.

2. **Differential Pinion Bearing Assembly** - This patent involves a differential that utilizes a unitized double row angular contact ball bearing to support a pinion stub shaft. The uniqueness of this design lies in the slightly separated inner rings before assembly. As the stub shaft is inserted, one of the inner rings is pushed against a land, such as the back of the pinion gear, allowing for suitable pre-load without requiring a nut. This innovative assembly effectively maintains pre-load through friction, contributing to robust bearing and shaft performance.

Career Highlights

Stefan Tojcic is currently employed at Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG, where he has continuously worked on crucial automotive innovations. His patents showcase his talent and dedication to improving mechanical systems within the automotive sector, highlighting his role as a significant contributor to engineering solutions.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Tojcic has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Alaa Makke and Cameron Gibson. These partnerships have allowed for creativity and technical expertise to intersect, further enhancing the depth of innovation at Schaeffler Technologies.

Conclusion

Stefan Tojcic exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the automotive sector through his patents and collaborative efforts. His creations not only advance the technology of automotive differentials but also uphold the importance of engineering excellence in modern vehicle design. As he continues to work at Schaeffler Technologies, further contributions from Tojcic are eagerly anticipated in the field of automotive engineering.