BIMETALLIC SHAFT FOR GEARBOX SYSTEMS TO LIMIT WEAR AND CORROSION

摘要

A bimetallic shaft for use in gearbox applications wherein the member of shaft that protrudes from the gearbox is designed and constructed from a corrosion-resistant metallic compound to prevent corrosion and wear to exposed shaft material. A gearbox comprising a bimetallic shaft having a corrosion-resistant material on the portion of the bimetallic shaft that protrudes from a gearbox housing, wherein a gearbox shaft seal radially surrounds the bimetallic shaft. A method of providing a bimetallic gearbox shaft comprising: a first shaft member having a first shaft axis, a second shaft having a second shaft axis with the first and second shaft members being made from different materials, and a joint that permanently affixes the first shaft member to the second shaft member such that the first shaft axis is aligned with the second shaft axis. The first shaft member may be formed from a non-corrosion-resistant material and the second shaft member may be formed from a corrosion-resistant material.