US4171626A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Carbon fiber reinforced composite drive shaft
Assignee: SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT RECITED SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS
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Filing: 1978-03-27
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Granted: 1979-10-23
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Expires: 1998-03-27
Abstract
Abstract A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft is provided wherein the fibrous reinforcement is positioned in a structural configuration capable of yielding improved service characteristics. The wall of the drive shaft comprises at least four bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of appropriate fibrous reinforcement situated within a resin matrix (as described). The carbon fibers are disposed generally longitudinally in a layer at an intermediate position within the tube wall and are capable of efficiently increasing the stiffness of the shaft. The overall requirement for the carbon fiber component of the fibrous reinforcement is minimized. Glass fibers likewise are disposed generally longitudinally in a layer at an intermediate position within the tube wall and are capable of economically contributing resistance to torsion buckling to the overall drive shaft without deleteriously influencing the critical speed of the drive shaft. The drive shafts of the present invention, accordingly, are light weight and surprisingly capable of yielding reliable service in the absence of harmful secondary powertrain resonance and the concomitant noise associated therewith.
Inventors
- 👤 Derek N. Yates
- 👤 David B. Rezin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 15:05
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C53/00; B29C53/56; B29C53/58; B29C53/60; B29C53/62; B29C53/66; B29C53/665; F; F16; F16C; F16C3/00; F16C3/02; F16C3/026; F16L; F16L9/00; F16L9/12; F16L9/123; B29K; B29K2307/00; B29L; B29L2009/00; F16C2326/00; F16C2326/01; F16C2326/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S138/00; Y10S138/02; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/902; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/13; Y10T428/131; Y10T428/1314; Y10T428/29; Y10T428/2913; Y10T428/2918; Y10T428/2933; Y10T428/2964; Y10T428/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft having improved service characteristics comprising a plurality of bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of fibrous reinforcement situated within a resinous matrix material, wherein the innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of from ±30° to ±50° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, the outermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of from ±60° to 90° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, an intermediate layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of from 0° to ±15° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and an intermediate layer comprises carbon fibers disposed at an angle of from 0° to ±15° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft having improved service characteristics comprising a plurality of bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of fibrous reinforcement situated within a resinous matrix material, wherein the innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of from ±30° to ±50° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, the outermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of from ±60° to 90° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, an intermediate layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of from 0° to ±15° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and an intermediate layer comprises carbon fibers disposed at an angle of from 0° to ±15° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 1 wherein the longitudinal modulus of elasticity is approximately 5.5 to 20 million psi.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 1 wherein said resinous matrix material is a thermoset resin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 3 wherein said thermoset resin is an epoxy resin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 1 wherein said carbon fibers posses a Young's modulus of elasticity of at least 25 million psi prior incorporation in said intermediate layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 1 wherein said intermediate layer comprising said carbon fibers is adjacent said outermost layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 1 which consists of four layers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fibrous reinforcement comprises about 55 to 70 percent by volume.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
115 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 1 wherein said innermost layer comprising glass fibers is disposed at an angle of approximately ±45° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, said outermost layer comprising glass fibers is disposed at an angle of approximately 90° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, said intermediate layer comprising glass fibers is disposed at an angle of approximately 0° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and said intermediate layer comprising carbon fibers is disposed at an angle of approximately 0° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
115 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 1 wherein said innermost layer comprising glass fibers is disposed at an angle of approximately ±45° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, said outermost layer comprising glass fibers is disposed at an angle of approximately ±80° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, said intermediate layer comprising glass fibers is disposed at an angle of approximately ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and said intermediate layer comprising carbon fibers is disposed at an angle of approximately ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
151 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft suitable for use with land vehicles having a longitudinal modulus of elasticity of approximately 5.5 to 20 million psi and improved service characteristics comprising a plurality of bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of fibrous reinforcement situated within a resinous matrix material, wherein the innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of ±40° to ±50° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, the outermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of ±80° to 90° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, an intermediate layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of 0° to ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and an intermediate layer comprises carbon fibers disposed at an angle of 0° to ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
151 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft suitable for use with land vehicles having a longitudinal modulus of elasticity of approximately 5.5 to 20 million psi and improved service characteristics comprising a plurality of bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of fibrous reinforcement situated within a resinous matrix material, wherein the innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of ±40° to ±50° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, the outermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of ±80° to 90° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, an intermediate layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of 0° to ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and an intermediate layer comprises carbon fibers disposed at an angle of 0° to ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 11 having a longitudinal modulus of elasticity in excess of 8 million psi.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 11 wherein said resinous matrix material is a thermoset resin.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 13 wherein said thermoset resin is an epoxy resin.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 11 wherein said carbon fibers possess a Young's modulus of elasticity of approximately 30 to 65 million psi prior to incorporation in said intermediate layer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 11 wherein said intermediate layer comprising said carbon fibers is adjacent said outermost layer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 11 which consists of four layers.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 11 wherein said fibrous reinforcement comprises about 55 to 70 percent by volume.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
160 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft suitable for use with land vehicles having a longitudinal modulus of elasticity of approximately 5.5 to 20 million psi and improved service characteristics comprising four bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of fibrous reinforcement situated within a resinous matrix material, wherein the innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±45° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, the outermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±80° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, a first intermediate layer adjacent said innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and a second intermediate layer adjacent said first intermediate layer and said outermost layer comprises carbon fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
160 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft suitable for use with land vehicles having a longitudinal modulus of elasticity of approximately 5.5 to 20 million psi and improved service characteristics comprising four bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of fibrous reinforcement situated within a resinous matrix material, wherein the innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±45° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, the outermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±80° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, a first intermediate layer adjacent said innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and a second intermediate layer adjacent said first intermediate layer and said outermost layer comprises carbon fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±10° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 19 having a longitudinal modulus of elasticity in excess of 8 million psi.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 19 wherein said resinous matrix is a thermoset resin.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 21 wherein said thermoset resin is an epoxy resin.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
49 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 21 formed by filament winding upon a mandrel having an outer diameter which corresponds to the inner diameter of said shaft said fibrous reinforcement bearing an uncured thermosetting resin, curing said thermosetting resin, and removing the mandrel.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 19 wherein said carbon fibers possess a Young's modulus of elasticity of approximately 30 to 65 million psi prior to incorporation in said intermediate layer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 19 wherein said fibrous reinforcement comprises about 55 to 70 percent by volume.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
160 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft suitable for use with land vehicles having a longitudinal modulus of elasticity of approximately 5.5. to 20 million psi and improved service characteristics comprising four bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of fibrous reinforcement situated within a resinous matrix material, wherein the innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±45° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, the outermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately 90° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, a first intermediate layer adjacent said innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately 0° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and a second intermediate layer adjacent said first intermediate layer and said outermost layer comprises carbon fibers disposed at an angle of approximately 0° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
160 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft suitable for use with land vehicles having a longitudinal modulus of elasticity of approximately 5.5. to 20 million psi and improved service characteristics comprising four bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of fibrous reinforcement situated within a resinous matrix material, wherein the innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately ±45° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, the outermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately 90° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, a first intermediate layer adjacent said innermost layer comprises glass fibers disposed at an angle of approximately 0° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and a second intermediate layer adjacent said first intermediate layer and said outermost layer comprises carbon fibers disposed at an angle of approximately 0° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 26 having a longitudinal modulus of elasticity in excess of 8 million psi.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 26 wherein said resinous matrix is a thermoset resin.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 28 wherein said thermoset resin is an epoxy resin.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
49 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 28 formed by filament winding upon a mandrel having an outer diameter which corresponds to the inner diameter of said shaft said fibrous reinforcement bearing an uncured thermosetting resin, curing said thermosetting resin, and removing the mandrel.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 26 wherein said carbon fibers possess a Young's modulus of elasticity of approximately 30 to 65 million psi prior to incorporation in said intermediate layer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft in accordance with claim 26 wherein said fibrous reinforcement comprises about 55 to 70 percent by volume.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-10-22 | 1983-04-23 | 1983-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-22 | 1987-04-23 | 1987-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-22 | 1991-04-23 | 1991-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |