Abstract: An assembly provides metallic ends to a composite shaft and a method of fabricating such an assembly. The composite shaft is preferably comprised of reinforced fibers. A metallic inner sleeve is positioned in the cavity of one end of the shaft. A metallic outer sleeve is positioned around the end of the shaft having the inner sleeve therein. The outer sleeve may include structural features, such as dimples, that ensure a stable connection between the sleeve and the shaft. The sleeves are compressibly forced onto the shaft, thereby forming the assembly. Both sleeves are metallic, and therefore provide a surface onto which weld joints can be formed. A preferred method of assembly includes the steps of expanding the inner sleeve and compressing the outer sleeve against the shaft.

Abstract: An assembly provides metallic ends to a composite shaft and a method of fabricating such an assembly. The composite shaft is preferably comprised of reinforced fibers. A metallic inner sleeve is positioned in the cavity of one end of the shaft. A metallic outer sleeve is positioned around the end of the shaft having the inner sleeve therein. The outer sleeve may include structural features, such as dimples, that ensure a stable connection between the sleeve and the shaft. The sleeves are compressibly forced onto the shaft, thereby forming the assembly. Both sleeves are metallic, and therefore provide a surface onto which weld joints can be formed. A preferred method of assembly includes the steps of expanding the inner sleeve and compressing the outer sleeve against the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly that provides metallic ends to a composite shaft and a method of fabricating such an assembly. The composite shaft is preferably comprised of reinforced fibers. A metallic inner sleeve is positioned in the cavity of one end of the shaft. A metallic outer sleeve is positioned around the end of the shaft having the inner sleeve therein. The outer sleeve may include structural features, such as dimples, that ensure a stable connection between the sleeve and the shaft. The sleeves are compressibly forced onto the shaft, thereby forming the assembly. Both sleeves are metallic, and therefore provide a surface onto which weld joints can be formed. A preferred method of assembly includes the steps of expanding the inner sleeve and compressing the outer sleeve against the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fiber reinforced suspension member having an integral pivot opening. The suspension member includes a first portion, a second portion and a central portion disposed in between the first portion and the second portion. The suspension member in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is formed of fibers that extend longitudinally from the first portion to the central portion and curve around the central portion such that an opening is defined in the central portion. The fibers forming the suspension member typically comprise an upper fiber layer and a lower fiber layer. The upper fiber layer and the lower fiber layer interface in the first portion and the second portion and are separated in the central portion. The upper layer fiber and the lower layer fiber are reinforced around the opening by stitching reinforcing fibers through the thickness of the suspension member.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fiber reinforced suspension member having an integral pivot opening. The suspension member includes a first portion, a second portion and a central portion disposed in between the first portion and the second portion. The suspension member in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is formed of fibers that extend longitudinally from the first portion to the central portion and curve around the central portion such that an opening is defined in the central portion. The fibers forming the suspension member typically comprise an upper fiber layer and a lower fiber layer. The upper fiber layer and the lower fiber layer interface in the first portion and the second portion and are separated in the central portion. The upper layer fiber and the lower layer fiber are reinforced around the opening by stitching reinforcing fibers through the thickness of the suspension member.