Abstract: A multi-slot gear for a powertrain of a vehicle includes an inner ring, an outer ring having gear teeth disposed on a periphery of the outer ring, a web disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a plurality of slots disposed within the web. Each of the plurality of slots includes a slot angle and each of the plurality of slots is separated from one another by a space angle. The ratio of the slot angle to the space angle is greater than two.

Abstract: A differential carrier and ring gear assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a differential carrier, a ring gear, and a weld nugget. The differential carrier comprises an outer surface including a first contact face having a weld end extending to a root end. The first contact face has a first slot formed on a first radial portion thereof. The ring gear is disposed about the differential carrier and comprises an inner side having an inner surface. The inner side has a stop flange abutting the root end. The inner surface comprises a second contact face disposed on the first contact face such that the root end is in abutment with the second end. The first and second hollow channels define a pocket therebetween and the first slot defines a first vent hole for venting. The weld nugget is disposed between the first and second contact faces.

Abstract: A method of joining a first piece of an automotive component that is made from a first material to a second piece of the automotive component that is made from a second material includes machining a fay surface onto each of the first and second pieces of the automotive component, cleaning the fay surfaces of each of the first and second pieces of the automotive component, placing a metal filler between the fay surfaces of the first and second pieces of the automotive component, holding the first and second pieces together with the metal filler positioned between the fay surfaces of the first and second pieces, and passing an electric current through the first piece, the metal filler and the second piece to melt the metal filler and weld the first piece to the second piece.

Abstract: A method of joining a first piece of an automotive component that is made from a first material to a second piece of the automotive component that is made from a second material includes machining a fay surface onto each of the first and second pieces of the automotive component, cleaning the fay surfaces of each of the first and second pieces of the automotive component, placing a metal filler between the fay surfaces of the first and second pieces of the automotive component, holding the first and second pieces together with the metal filler positioned between the fay surfaces of the first and second pieces, and passing an electric current through the first piece, the metal filler and the second piece to melt the metal filler and weld the first piece to the second piece.

Abstract: A method of joining parts, where at least one of the parts has a faying surface defining grooves therein. One of the parts is formed of a majority of titanium, and the other part is formed of a majority of iron. The method includes providing a set of opposed welding electrodes disposed on a side of each part and applying pressure to and heating the parts via the set of electrodes to form a joint between the parts. A bonded assembly includes a first part formed of a majority of titanium and a second part formed of a steel alloy. The first and second parts having a bond that includes a portion of the first part directly in contact with and attached to a portion of the second part. The parts may be a titanium-containing differential carrier case bonded to a steel gear.

Abstract: A method of joining parts, where at least one of the parts has a faying surface defining grooves therein. One of the parts is formed of a majority of titanium, and the other part is formed of a majority of iron. The method includes providing a set of opposed welding electrodes disposed on a side of each part and applying pressure to and heating the parts via the set of electrodes to form a joint between the parts. A bonded assembly includes a first part formed of a majority of titanium and a second part formed of a steel alloy. The first and second parts having a bond that includes a portion of the first part directly in contact with and attached to a portion of the second part. The parts may be a titanium-containing differential carrier case bonded to a steel gear.