Variable-wall light-weight axle shaft with an integral flange member and method for making the same
AssigneeAam International S.à R.L.
InventorsAdel Mohd Khanfar, Earl Paul Barker, II
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A drive axle shaft and method for making the same are provided. The drive axle shaft includes an elongate tubular body and a wheel flange. The elongate tubular body has a longitudinal axis and comprises a first end portion and a second end. The second end is configured to be coupled to a side gear in a differential. The wheel flange is disposed at the first end portion and is configured to support a vehicle wheel. The elongate tubular body and the wheel flange are formed as a unitary body without any weld therebetween.
Claims20
A drive axle shaft, comprising:
- an elongate tubular body having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is configured to be coupled to a side gear in a differential;
- and
- a wheel flange disposed at the first end and configured to support a vehicle wheel, wherein the wheel flange includes a ring extending perpendicularly from an axially inboard side of the wheel flange a distance that is at least half the thickness of the wheel flange;
- wherein a radially outer wall of the ring extends as a right cylinder from the wheel flange;
- and
- wherein the elongate tubular body and the wheel flange are formed as a unitary body without any joint therebetween.
A drive axle shaft, comprising:
- an elongate tubular body having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is configured to be coupled to a side gear in a differential;
- and
- a wheel flange disposed at the first end and configured to support a vehicle wheel, wherein the wheel flange includes an axially extending annular hub, a wheel mount extending radially outwardly from the annular hub, and a ring extending perpendicularly from an axially inboard side of the wheel flange;
- wherein the wheel mount is configured to couple a vehicle wheel to the drive axle shaft;
- and
- wherein the elongate tubular body and the wheel flange are formed as a unitary body without any joint therebetween.
A drive axle shaft, comprising:
- an elongate tubular body disposed about a longitudinal axis and having:
- a first end;
- and
- a second end configured to be coupled to a side gear in a differential;
- and
- a wheel flange disposed at the first end and configured to support a vehicle wheel,
- wherein the wheel flange includes a cylindrical ring extending perpendicularly from an inboard side of the wheel flange;
- wherein the elongate tubular body and the wheel flange are formed as a unitary body without any joint therebetween;
- and
- wherein the elongate tubular body is hollow along its entire length.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.