Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a tubular slip member having a first spline member having a plurality of splines formed thereon having a first tolerance and a second spline member having a plurality of spline sections. The plurality of spline sections includes a plurality of splines formed thereon having a second tolerance. The second spline member cooperates with the first spline member. A zone is disposed on the second spline member and has a first profile. The zone is disposed adjacent to at least one of the plurality of spline sections of the second spline member, and the first profile defines a clearance relative to the first spline member.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a tubular slip member having a first spline member having a plurality of splines formed thereon having a first tolerance and a second spline member having a plurality of spline sections. The plurality of spline sections includes a plurality of splines formed thereon having a second tolerance. The second spline member cooperates with the first spline member. A zone is disposed on the second spline member and has a first profile. The zone is disposed adjacent to at least one of the plurality of spline sections of the second spline member, and the first profile defines a clearance relative to the first spline member.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a tubular slip member having a first spline member having a plurality of splines formed thereon having a first tolerance and a second spline member having a plurality of spline sections. The plurality of spline sections includes a plurality of splines formed thereon having a second tolerance. The second spline member cooperates with the first spline member. A zone is disposed on the second spline member and has a first profile. The zone is disposed adjacent to at least one of the plurality of spline sections of the second spline member, and the first profile defines a clearance relative to the first spline member.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing first and second splined members together, such as a midship tube shaft to an end fitting in a driveshaft assembly, to prevent relative axial movement from occurring therebetween. Initially, a first splined member is provided that includes an outer surface having a recess and a plurality of external splines provided thereon. Also, a second splined member is provided that includes an inner surface a plurality of internal splines provided thereon. The inner surface of the second splined member is disposed about the outer surface of the first splined member such that the plurality of internal splines cooperate with the plurality of external splines. Then, a portion of the second splined member is deformed into the recess of the first splined member to secure the first and second splined members together, while preventing relative axial movement from occurring therebetween.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a tubular slip member having a first spline member having a plurality of splines formed thereon having a first tolerance and a second spline member having a plurality of spline sections. The plurality of spline sections includes a plurality of splines formed thereon having a second tolerance. The second spline member cooperates with the first spline member. A zone is disposed on the second spline member and has a first profile. The zone is disposed adjacent to at least one of the plurality of spline sections of the second spline member, and the first profile defines a clearance relative to the first spline member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a hydroforming process cause either or both of the opposed end portions of the workpiece to be deformed to achieve desired shapes therein. Initially, a workpiece having a pair of end portions is disposed within a die cavity defined by first and second die sections have cooperating recesses. A pair of end feed assemblies engage the end portions of the workpiece and deform such end portions to a desired shape. Pressurized fluid is provided within the workpiece either before, during, or after the deformation of the end portions of the workpiece to deform the central portion thereof it into a desired shape as defined by the die cavity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly includes the initial step of orienting a first component having a first wall thickness and a second component having a second wall thickness to define an overlap region. The first and second components may have the same or different wall thicknesses, may be formed from the same or different materials, and may have the same or different lengths. Portions of the first and second components are deformed to provide the overlap region with a third wall thickness that is the sum of the first wall thickness and the second wall thickness. Lastly, a pair of yoke arms having respective openings therethrough is formed in the overlap region to provide a combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly. A pair of combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly can also be manufactured in accordance with this method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a hydroforming process cause either or both of the opposed end portions of the workpiece to be deformed to achieve desired shapes therein. Initially, a workpiece having a pair of end portions is disposed within a die cavity defined by first and second die sections have cooperating recesses. A pair of end feed assemblies engage the end portions of the workpiece and deform such end portions to a desired shape. Pressurized fluid is provided within the workpiece either before, during, or after the deformation of the end portions of the workpiece to deform the central portion thereof it into a desired shape as defined by the die cavity.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing first and second splined members together, such as a midship tube shaft to an end fitting in a driveshaft assembly, to prevent relative axial movement from occurring therebetween. Initially, a first splined member is provided that includes an outer surface having a recess and a plurality of external splines provided thereon. Also, a second splined member is provided that includes an inner surface a plurality of internal splines provided thereon. The inner surface of the second splined member is disposed about the outer surface of the first splined member such that the plurality of internal splines cooperate with the plurality of external splines. Then, a portion of the second splined member is deformed into the recess of the first splined member to secure the first and second splined members together, while preventing relative axial movement from occurring therebetween.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly includes the initial step of orienting a first component having a first wall thickness and a second component having a second wall thickness to define an overlap region. The first and second components may have the same or different wall thicknesses, may be formed from the same or different materials, and may have the same or different lengths. Portions of the first and second components are deformed to provide the overlap region with a third wall thickness that is the sum of the first wall thickness and the second wall thickness. Lastly, a pair of yoke arms having respective openings therethrough is formed in the overlap region to provide a combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly. A pair of combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly can also be manufactured in accordance with this method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly includes the initial step of providing a workpiece having a first end portion, a central portion, and a second end portion. The workpiece may have a varying wall thickness, such as by providing the first end portion and the second end portion with a first wall thickness and the central portion with a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness. If desired, the central portion of the workpiece may be provided with a ridge that extends about the circumference thereof. Additionally, the central portion of the workpiece may be provided with a plurality of protrusions. The workpiece may be hollow can be deformed to the desired shape by hydroforming or magnetic pulse forming. The central portion of the workpiece is divided, such as along the circumferential ridge, to provide a pair of combined driveshaft tube and yoke assemblies.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly includes the initial step of providing a workpiece having a first portion defining a first wall thickness and a second portion defining a second wall thickness that is different from the first wall thickness. The first and second portions can be first and second sections that are separate from one another and joined together. Alternatively, the first and second portions can be formed integrally with one another. A pair of yoke arms having respective openings therethrough are formed in the first portion of the workpiece to provide a combined driveshaft tube and yoke assembly. A bearing bushing may be disposed in each of the openings. Alternatively, the yoke arms can have respective flanged openings formed therethrough.