Axially collapsible driveshaft assembly

Details Axially collapsible driveshaft assembly Axially collapsible driveshaft assembly

2006-04-11

2006-04-11

Binda, Greg (Department: 3679)

Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for ro

Coupling facilitates relative axial motion between coupled...

C464S183000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07025686

ABSTRACT:
A driveshaft assembly that is axially collapsible in a reliably controlled manner includes a male splined slip yoke that cooperates with a female splined transition member for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement. The transition member is, in turn, secured to a hollow cylindrical driveshaft tube. The transition member has an inner surface that tapers or otherwise extends radially inwardly, and a wedge is supported within the transition member. When a large compressive force is applied to the ends of the driveshaft assembly, the slip yoke causes the wedge to move axially relative to the transition member, thereby causing the transition member and a portion of the hollow cylindrical driveshaft tube to be expanded radially outwardly and creating a weakened region. When the wedge is moved yet axially further relative to the transition member, the driveshaft tube is further deformed in a controlled and consistent, thereby absorbing energy from the collision. Optionally, a bladder may be provided within the hollow cylindrical driveshaft tube and filled with a material so as to allow the amount of compressive force that is required to cause the driveshaft assembly to axially collapse to be varied.

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