COMPOSITE TUBE FOR TORQUE AND/OR LOAD TRANSMISSIONS AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

A composite tube made from a combination fiber and epoxy is disclosed. The tube may be made by filament winding although other materials and processes are suitable. In one example, the tube laminate is a mix of axial and helical fibers tailored to meet the stiffness and strength requirements of the particular application. Fibers having a different modulus may also be mixed to meet axial and torsional stiffness requirements. For example, high modulus fibers may be used in a helical pattern to handle high torque loads while lower modulus fibers may be used for the remaining portion of the tube laminate. The composite tube may be used for load and/or torque bearing applications and can include a support tube pressed fit into an end of the tube.

主权项

1. A drive train for a vehicle comprising:
an engine component housing comprising a hub having an inside diameter defining a bore, an outside diameter, and a thickness therebetween; a composite tube comprising an outer diameter and an inner diameter pressed fit with the hub of the engine component housing, said composite tube comprising a bore; a support tube mounted inside the bore of the composite tube or over the outer diameter of the composite tube in an interference; and wherein the hub of the engine component housing and the composite torque tube are adhesively bonded together.