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 comprising a non-corrosion-resistant material and having a first shaft axis, a second shaft member comprising a corrosion-resistant material and having a second shaft axis, 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.