Method and forming die for fabricating torque joints

Abstract

A method for the fabricating or forming of tubular members of the torque tube type which may be utilized as torque joints for the drive shafts or steering connections of motor vehicles or in connection with articulating linkages for high-lift aircraft systems or for other various physical application where it is intended to react to torsional and axial loads which are ordinarily encountered in torque joints, steering linkages, drive shafts and the like. Provision is also made for a device which is in the form of a novel external die arrangement for electromagnetically concurrently forming longitudinal and circumferential or radial grooves in tubular members and interposed end fittings, particularly of the type which are adapted to react to torsional and axial loads encountered by torque joints and the like. For the concurrent formation of longitudinal and circumferential or radial grooves, the external die which encompasses the area of the components which is to be joined, has grooves or recesses machined in the circumferential inner surface of the die such that upon the generating of an electromagnetic force by means of an internal coil arranged within the area which is to be deformed, the superimposed tubular member and end fitting material is expanded outwardly so as to enter the recesses or grooves which are present in the inner encompassing surface of the external die. As a result, the interlocking groove structure or pattern formed in the tubular member and end fitting produces a torque joint which is adapted to react to both axial and torsional forces and loads imposed thereon.