US 2003/0114232 A1 · Enhanced strength composite drive shaft

Abstract

There is provided a composite drive shaft with enhanced strength characteristics, comprising a plurality of features placed in a composite drive shaft formed from composite fibrous material. A method for making the composite drive shaft is also provided, where a first later of composite fibrous material is applied around a cylindrical mold with receiving grooves. Features are pushed through the composite material into the receiving grooves. A second layer of composite fibrous material is wrapped around the first layer, the drive shaft is consolidated, and the cylindrical mold is removed. Also provided is a method for making a composite drive shaft wherein the features are inserted into the cylindrical mold and then pushed through the first layer of composite fibrous material after said layer is wrapped around the mold and the features.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A composite drive shaft comprising:

a cylindrical shaft body;
plurality of features, said features perpendicular to the axis of said cylindrical shaft body, said features comprising a head piece and an anchor piece;
and
composite fibrous material extending around said shaft body and said features to secure said features to the shaft body.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Enhanced strength composite drive shaft

Life of this patent

Enhanced strength composite drive shaft

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20