The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 18, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 03, 1997
Douglas E Breese, Northwood, OH (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A telescoping driveshaft assembly that has a relatively low collapse force rating and that does not have a reduced torque carrying capacity includes an inner tube that is received within an outer tube in a press fit relationship. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube such that a predetermined amount of overlap is formed between the two tubes. A mechanical interlock is formed in the overlapped region for increasing the total frictional force between the inner tube and the outer tube as well as for increasing the torque carrying capacity of the driveshaft tube. The mechanical interlock can be formed using one or more crimps which are disposed in the overlapped region. The length of the overlapped region, the number of crimps and the crimp configuration are a function of a number of factors including the torque requirements of the driveshaft tube, the sizes of the inner tube and the outer tube, and the material chosen for the driveshaft tube. Preferably, the crimps extend around the entire perimeter of the overlapped region in a spaced-apart fashion. The crimps can be formed having any shape and length. Preferably, the crimps have an elongated, generally oval shape and a length which is less than about one-third the total length of the overlapped region.