MODULAR AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH RACING VEHICLES AND OTHER VEHICLES

摘要

Axle shaft assemblies for use with a vehicle include a shaft formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity for providing the shaft with a flexibility adapted to withstand side impacts and resist deformation. A first end member can be engaged with a first end of the shaft, and a second end member can be engaged with the second end of the shaft. The end members can be formed from a second material having a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first, such that the end members are adapted to withstand a rotational force. The end members can include splined connectors, hub flanges, and other similar components. The resulting axle shaft assembly can thereby include modular combinations of materials having low and high moduli of elasticity.

主权项

1. An axle shaft assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising:
a first shaft having a first end, a second end, and a central portion, wherein the first shaft is formed from a first material having a first flexibility for adapting the first shaft to withstand side impacts and resist deformation; an end member integrally and mechanically engaged with the first end of the first shaft, wherein the end member is formed from a second material having a second flexibility less than the first flexibility, and wherein the end member is adapted to withstand a first rotational force from a drive system and transfer the first rotational force to the first shaft; and a hub flange integrally and mechanically engaged with the second end of the first shaft, wherein the hub flange is formed from the second material, and wherein the hub flange is adapted to withstand the first rotational force transferred from the first shaft.