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US20230296128A1 - Composite shaft with outer periphery ring - Google Patents

Composite shaft with outer periphery ring Download PDF

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Publication number
US20230296128A1
US20230296128A1 US18/202,537 US202318202537A US2023296128A1 US 20230296128 A1 US20230296128 A1 US 20230296128A1 US 202318202537 A US202318202537 A US 202318202537A US 2023296128 A1 US2023296128 A1 US 2023296128A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
patch
set forth
composite
composite tube
tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US18/202,537
Inventor
Brayton Reed
Joyel M. Schaefer
Michael King
Mark R. Gurvich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Goodrich Corp
Original Assignee
Goodrich Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Goodrich Corp filed Critical Goodrich Corp
Priority to US18/202,537 priority Critical patent/US20230296128A1/en
Publication of US20230296128A1 publication Critical patent/US20230296128A1/en
Priority to US19/289,600 priority patent/US20250354580A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C3/00—Shafts; Axles; Cranks; Eccentrics
    • F16C3/02—Shafts; Axles
    • F16C3/026—Shafts made of fibre reinforced resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C73/00—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D
    • B29C73/04—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D using preformed elements
    • B29C73/10—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D using preformed elements using patches sealing on the surface of the article
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K17/00—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles
    • B60K17/22—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or type of main drive shafting, e.g. cardan shaft
    • B60K17/24—Arrangement of mountings for shafting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C3/00—Shafts; Axles; Cranks; Eccentrics
    • F16C3/02—Shafts; Axles
    • F16C3/023—Shafts; Axles made of several parts, e.g. by welding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/748—Machines or parts thereof not otherwise provided for
    • B29L2031/75—Shafts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C27/00—Rotorcraft; Rotors peculiar thereto
    • B64C27/04—Helicopters
    • B64C27/12—Rotor drives
    • B64C27/14—Direct drive between power plant and rotor hub
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F5/00—Designing, manufacturing, assembling, cleaning, maintaining or repairing aircraft, not otherwise provided for; Handling, transporting, testing or inspecting aircraft components, not otherwise provided for
    • B64F5/40—Maintaining or repairing aircraft
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C2208/00—Plastics; Synthetic resins, e.g. rubbers
    • F16C2208/02—Plastics; Synthetic resins, e.g. rubbers comprising fillers, fibres
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C2237/00—Repair or replacement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C2326/00—Articles relating to transporting
    • F16C2326/01—Parts of vehicles in general
    • F16C2326/06—Drive shafts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C35/00—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers
    • F16C35/04—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers in the case of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C35/06—Mounting or dismounting of ball or roller bearings; Fixing them onto shaft or in housing
    • F16C35/07—Fixing them on the shaft or housing with interposition of an element
    • F16C35/073—Fixing them on the shaft or housing with interposition of an element between shaft and inner race ring

Definitions

  • This application relates to composite drive shafts and methods of repair.
  • Drive shafts are utilized in any number of modern industrial applications. As one example, drive shafts are utilized to drive components in an aerospace environment. One specific application might be driving propellers associated with a helicopter, as an example.
  • drive shafts were formed of metal and, in particular, often aluminum, titanium or steel. More recently, it has been proposed to provide drive shafts formed of composite materials.
  • Drive shafts may also become damaged. They are often replaced once damaged instead of being repaired.
  • a drive shaft has a central tubular portion formed of a polymer composite with imbedded fibers. It extends between a first end and a second end.
  • the central tubular portion has an outer peripheral surface. There is at least one ring on the outer peripheral surface of the central tubular portion.
  • a method of repairing a composite material tube includes the steps of (a) identifying a damaged area on a composite tube, and (b) placing a patch on a surface of the tube and over the damaged area.
  • FIG. 1 A shows a side view of a drive shaft schematically driving a component.
  • FIG. 1 B schematically shows a detail of a rub ring in a diametric cross-sectional view.
  • FIG. 2 A shows a diametric cross-section of a first embodiment of a rub ring.
  • FIG. 2 B shows a diametric cross-section of a second embodiment of a rub ring.
  • FIG. 2 C shows a diametric cross-section of a third embodiment of a rub ring.
  • FIG. 3 A shows a damaged drive shaft
  • FIG. 3 B is an axial cross-section through the damaged drive shaft.
  • FIG. 4 A shows an axial cross-sectional view of a repair step.
  • FIG. 4 B shows an axial cross-sectional view of an optional second repair step.
  • FIG. 4 C is a diametric cross-section through the FIG. 4 B drive shaft.
  • FIG. 1 A shows a drive system 18 having a drive shaft 20 .
  • Drive shaft 20 may have a central composite tubular portion 30 connecting two metallic flanges 26 and 28 at ends 17 of the central tubular portion 30 .
  • the flanges may be riveted such as shown at 27 or connected with the shaft 20 by other fasteners.
  • a drive input 22 drives the shaft 20 to, in turn, drive the drive output 24 .
  • the output 24 may be an aerospace component and, in one example a propeller on a helicopter. While metallic flanges 26 / 28 are illustrated, the flange could be composite. In fact, the tubular portion could be used without end flanges at all.
  • Rub rings 32 are shown on an outer peripheral surface 19 of the central tubular portion 30 .
  • the rub rings 32 are axially aligned with static components such as a damper 34 .
  • static components such as a damper 34 .
  • FIG. 1 B shows a detail with regard to the rub rings 32 and the central tubular portion 30 .
  • a first radius R 1 may be defined from a center C of the composite tubular portion 30 to an outer peripheral surface 31 of the composite tubular portion 30 .
  • a second radius R 2 may be defined from the center C to an outer peripheral surface 33 of the rub ring 32 .
  • a ratio of R 2 to R 1 is greater than or equal to 1.01 and less than or equal to 1.50. In further embodiments, the ratio is less than or equal to 1.25.
  • the central tubular portion 30 is formed of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material.
  • the components of the central tubular portion and the rings may be formed of the same or different fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite materials.
  • the matrix can be a thermoplastic polymer.
  • the matrix 100 can be a thermoset polymer.
  • Different types of reinforcing fibers 101 such as, for example, carbon fibers, glass fibers, organic fibers, or their combinations can be used in different embodiments.
  • the same or different fabrication processes such as for example, automated fiber placement, filament winding, braiding, wrapping, etc. can be used to make separate composite tubes, flanges and, if applicable, diaphragms.
  • FIG. 2 A shows a first embodiment 40 wherein the shaft inner tube portion 42 is provided with the ring 44 .
  • Ring 44 may be formed of the same general material as the tube 42 .
  • there may be some difference in composition such as fiber type, fiber volume fraction percentage, fiber arrangement, polymer matrix type, etc. dependent on the operational needs for the particular location on that shaft.
  • the ring could be formed of polymer material, with, or without, embedded fibers.
  • central tubular portion 42 and ring 44 are formed of the same material, they may be bonded together during formation.
  • FIG. 2 B shows an embodiment 46 , where the central tubular portion 42 is attached to a ring 50 through an adhesive 48 .
  • the ring 50 in the embodiment 46 may be formed of a different material than the central tubular portion 42 .
  • Ring 50 might be a distinct thermoplastic, a thermoset, or even a metallic component. Here too the same material may be used.
  • FIG. 2 C shows yet another embodiment 52 .
  • the central tubular portion 42 is provided with a ring 56 through an optional adhesive layer 54 .
  • Ring 56 and central tubular portion 42 might actually be similar to either embodiment 40 or 46 .
  • an outer elastomer ring 60 is provided with a bond layer 58 to the outer periphery of the ring 56 .
  • This elastomer ring at layer 60 can provide further cushioning during contact between the rub ring and a static component such as a damper 34 .
  • layer 60 is not limited to elastomers.
  • This layer 60 may be of a low friction material, such as for example Teflon, to provide efficient interaction with damping ring 34 .
  • Layer 60 could be generically called a cushioning member.
  • a drive shaft according to this disclosure could be said as having a central tubular portion formed of a thermoset resin with imbedded fibers, and extending between a first end and a second end.
  • the center tubular portion has an outer peripheral surface and there is at least one ring on the outer peripheral surface of the central tubular portion.
  • FIG. 3 A shows another feature directed to repairing a damaged drive shaft 80 .
  • damage 82 is shown.
  • Damage 82 can be seen in an axial cross-section in FIG. 3 B as a hole extending through an entire thickness of the tubular portion 80 .
  • the damage 82 need not extend through the entire thickness, and could be at least partial one at an inner or/and outer surface of the tube.
  • FIG. 4 A shows a an axial cross-section with a first step in repairing the tubular portion 90 by utilizing one or more patches 92 A, 92 B, 92 C.
  • the patches may be similar in composition to the drive shaft materials.
  • the materials of patches may be of different polymer matrices reinforced with different fibers, such as carbon, glass, organic fibers or their combinations, or have no fiber reinforcement at all.
  • the patches need not extend around the entire circumference of the tubular portion, but may only be at a limited circumferential area.
  • FIG. 4 B shows an axial cross-section with an optional feature wherein a second patch area 96 is provided to balance any radial misalignment that the first patch area 92 might have caused.
  • the two patches 92 and 96 can be seen to be circumferentially spaced, but axially aligned.
  • the location of patch 92 is selected to provide balancing of the tubular portion.
  • a repaired tube or shaft 94 is shown in FIG. 4 B , as an axial cross-section
  • FIG. 4 C as a diametric cross-section, having the patch areas 92 and 96 at circumferentially opposed locations. It should be understood the patch could also extend around the entire circumference in some applications.
  • a method of repairing a composite material tube could be said to include the steps of (a) identifying a damaged area on a composite tube; and (b) placing a patch(s) on a surface of the tube and over the damaged area.
  • ring as utilized in this application could extend generically to either the circumferentially limited patches of FIGS. 4 A and 4 B or, of course, the full circumferentially extending rings of FIGS. 2 A- 2 C .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Shafts, Cranks, Connecting Bars, And Related Bearings (AREA)

Abstract

A drive shaft has a central tubular portion formed of a polymer composite with imbedded fibers. It extends between a first end and a second end. The central tubular portion has an outer peripheral surface. There is at least one ring on the outer peripheral surface of the central tubular portion. A method of repairing a composite material tube includes the steps of (a) identifying a damaged area on a composite tube, and (b) placing a patch on a surface of the tube and over the damaged area.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/247,966 filed Jan. 15, 2019.
    • BACKGROUND
  • This application relates to composite drive shafts and methods of repair.
  • Drive shafts are utilized in any number of modern industrial applications. As one example, drive shafts are utilized to drive components in an aerospace environment. One specific application might be driving propellers associated with a helicopter, as an example.
  • Drive shafts might have some bending flexure along the length during operation. Thus, it is known to position dampers or other structures along the length of the drive shaft to limit this bending deflection. The dampers are often associated with a “rub ring” which is an element extending radially outwardly of the drive shaft to contact the damper and protect, therefore, the outer surface of the shaft in case of contact with the damper.
  • Historically, drive shafts were formed of metal and, in particular, often aluminum, titanium or steel. More recently, it has been proposed to provide drive shafts formed of composite materials.
  • Drive shafts may also become damaged. They are often replaced once damaged instead of being repaired.
    • SUMMARY
  • A drive shaft has a central tubular portion formed of a polymer composite with imbedded fibers. It extends between a first end and a second end. The central tubular portion has an outer peripheral surface. There is at least one ring on the outer peripheral surface of the central tubular portion.
  • A method of repairing a composite material tube includes the steps of (a) identifying a damaged area on a composite tube, and (b) placing a patch on a surface of the tube and over the damaged area.
  • These and other features may be best understood from the following drawings and specification.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1A shows a side view of a drive shaft schematically driving a component.
  • FIG. 1B schematically shows a detail of a rub ring in a diametric cross-sectional view.
  • FIG. 2A shows a diametric cross-section of a first embodiment of a rub ring.
  • FIG. 2B shows a diametric cross-section of a second embodiment of a rub ring.
  • FIG. 2C shows a diametric cross-section of a third embodiment of a rub ring.
  • FIG. 3A shows a damaged drive shaft.
  • FIG. 3B is an axial cross-section through the damaged drive shaft.
  • FIG. 4A shows an axial cross-sectional view of a repair step.
  • FIG. 4B shows an axial cross-sectional view of an optional second repair step.
  • FIG. 4C is a diametric cross-section through the FIG. 4B drive shaft.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • FIG. 1A shows a drive system 18 having a drive shaft 20. Drive shaft 20 may have a central composite tubular portion 30 connecting two metallic flanges 26 and 28 at ends 17 of the central tubular portion 30. The flanges may be riveted such as shown at 27 or connected with the shaft 20 by other fasteners. A drive input 22 drives the shaft 20 to, in turn, drive the drive output 24. The output 24 may be an aerospace component and, in one example a propeller on a helicopter. While metallic flanges 26/28 are illustrated, the flange could be composite. In fact, the tubular portion could be used without end flanges at all.
  • Rub rings 32 are shown on an outer peripheral surface 19 of the central tubular portion 30. The rub rings 32 are axially aligned with static components such as a damper 34. During operation, there may be flexing along the length of the central tubular portion 30 and the rub rings 32 may contact the damper 34 to limit that flexing.
  • FIG. 1B shows a detail with regard to the rub rings 32 and the central tubular portion 30. A first radius R1 may be defined from a center C of the composite tubular portion 30 to an outer peripheral surface 31 of the composite tubular portion 30. A second radius R2 may be defined from the center C to an outer peripheral surface 33 of the rub ring 32. A ratio of R2 to R1 is greater than or equal to 1.01 and less than or equal to 1.50. In further embodiments, the ratio is less than or equal to 1.25.
  • The central tubular portion 30 is formed of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material. The components of the central tubular portion and the rings may be formed of the same or different fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite materials. In one embodiment, the matrix can be a thermoplastic polymer. In another embodiment, the matrix 100 can be a thermoset polymer. Different types of reinforcing fibers 101, such as, for example, carbon fibers, glass fibers, organic fibers, or their combinations can be used in different embodiments. In different embodiments, the same or different fabrication processes, such as for example, automated fiber placement, filament winding, braiding, wrapping, etc. can be used to make separate composite tubes, flanges and, if applicable, diaphragms.
  • FIG. 2A shows a first embodiment 40 wherein the shaft inner tube portion 42 is provided with the ring 44. Ring 44 may be formed of the same general material as the tube 42. On the other hand, there may be some difference in composition, such as fiber type, fiber volume fraction percentage, fiber arrangement, polymer matrix type, etc. dependent on the operational needs for the particular location on that shaft.
  • In embodiments, the ring could be formed of polymer material, with, or without, embedded fibers.
  • When central tubular portion 42 and ring 44 are formed of the same material, they may be bonded together during formation.
  • FIG. 2B shows an embodiment 46, where the central tubular portion 42 is attached to a ring 50 through an adhesive 48.
  • The ring 50 in the embodiment 46 may be formed of a different material than the central tubular portion 42. Ring 50 might be a distinct thermoplastic, a thermoset, or even a metallic component. Here too the same material may be used.
  • FIG. 2C shows yet another embodiment 52. Here, the central tubular portion 42 is provided with a ring 56 through an optional adhesive layer 54. Ring 56 and central tubular portion 42 might actually be similar to either embodiment 40 or 46. However, an outer elastomer ring 60 is provided with a bond layer 58 to the outer periphery of the ring 56. This elastomer ring at layer 60 can provide further cushioning during contact between the rub ring and a static component such as a damper 34.
  • In other embodiments, layer 60 is not limited to elastomers. This layer 60 may be of a low friction material, such as for example Teflon, to provide efficient interaction with damping ring 34. Layer 60 could be generically called a cushioning member.
  • A drive shaft according to this disclosure could be said as having a central tubular portion formed of a thermoset resin with imbedded fibers, and extending between a first end and a second end. The center tubular portion has an outer peripheral surface and there is at least one ring on the outer peripheral surface of the central tubular portion.
  • FIG. 3A shows another feature directed to repairing a damaged drive shaft 80. Here, damage 82 is shown. Damage 82 can be seen in an axial cross-section in FIG. 3B as a hole extending through an entire thickness of the tubular portion 80. However, it should be understood that the damage 82 need not extend through the entire thickness, and could be at least partial one at an inner or/and outer surface of the tube.
  • FIG. 4A shows a an axial cross-section with a first step in repairing the tubular portion 90 by utilizing one or more patches 92A, 92B, 92C. The patches may be similar in composition to the drive shaft materials. In other embodiments the materials of patches may be of different polymer matrices reinforced with different fibers, such as carbon, glass, organic fibers or their combinations, or have no fiber reinforcement at all. The patches need not extend around the entire circumference of the tubular portion, but may only be at a limited circumferential area.
  • FIG. 4B shows an axial cross-section with an optional feature wherein a second patch area 96 is provided to balance any radial misalignment that the first patch area 92 might have caused. The two patches 92 and 96 can be seen to be circumferentially spaced, but axially aligned. The location of patch 92 is selected to provide balancing of the tubular portion. Thus, a repaired tube or shaft 94 is shown in FIG. 4B, as an axial cross-section, and FIG. 4C, as a diametric cross-section, having the patch areas 92 and 96 at circumferentially opposed locations. It should be understood the patch could also extend around the entire circumference in some applications.
  • A method of repairing a composite material tube could be said to include the steps of (a) identifying a damaged area on a composite tube; and (b) placing a patch(s) on a surface of the tube and over the damaged area.
  • When considering the drive shaft embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2C along with the repaired shafts of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the term “ring” as utilized in this application could extend generically to either the circumferentially limited patches of FIGS. 4A and 4B or, of course, the full circumferentially extending rings of FIGS. 2A-2C.
  • Although an embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims (20)

1. A method of repairing a composite material tube comprising the steps of:
(a) identifying a damaged area on a composite tube; and
(b) placing a patch on a surface of the tube and over the damaged area.
2. The method set forth in claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of patch layers placed to cover the damaged area.
3. The method set forth in claim 2, wherein the patch is provided at an outer peripheral surface of the composite tube.
4. The method as set forth in claim 3, wherein the composite tube is cylindrical, and the patch extends over a limited circumferential area of the composite tube.
5. The method set forth in claim 6, wherein at least a second patch is circumferentially spaced, but axially aligned with the patch over the damaged area, with a location for the second patch being selected to provide balancing of the composite tube.
6. The method as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first and second patch are formed of polymer matrix material with reinforcing fibers.
7. The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein the composite tube and the first and second patch are formed of the same composite material.
8. The method as set forth in claim 4, wherein the composite tube and the patch are formed of a composite material.
9. The method as set forth in claim 4, wherein the patch is formed of polymer matrix material with reinforcing fibers.
10. The method as set forth in claim 4, wherein the composite tube and the patch are formed of the same composite material.
11. The method as set forth in claim 4, wherein the composite tube is hollow.
12. The method set forth in claim 1, wherein the patch is provided at an outer peripheral surface of the composite tube.
13. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the composite tube is cylindrical, and the patch extends over a limited circumferential area of the composite tube.
14. The method set forth in claim 13, wherein at least a second patch is circumferentially spaced, but axially aligned with the patch over the damaged area, with a location for the second patch being selected to provide balancing of the composite tube.
15. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the first and second patch are formed of polymer matrix material with reinforcing fibers.
16. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the composite tube and the patch are formed of a composite material.
17. The method as set forth in claim 16, wherein the patch is formed of polymer matrix material with reinforcing fibers.
18. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the patch is formed of polymer matrix material with reinforcing fibers.
19. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the composite tube and the patch are formed of the same composite material.
20. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the composite tube is hollow.
US18/202,537 2019-01-15 2023-05-26 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring Abandoned US20230296128A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18/202,537 US20230296128A1 (en) 2019-01-15 2023-05-26 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring
US19/289,600 US20250354580A1 (en) 2019-01-15 2025-08-04 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/247,966 US11692585B2 (en) 2019-01-15 2019-01-15 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring
US18/202,537 US20230296128A1 (en) 2019-01-15 2023-05-26 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring

Related Parent Applications (1)

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US16/247,966 Division US11692585B2 (en) 2019-01-15 2019-01-15 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US19/289,600 Continuation US20250354580A1 (en) 2019-01-15 2025-08-04 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring

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US20230296128A1 true US20230296128A1 (en) 2023-09-21

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US16/247,966 Active 2041-12-29 US11692585B2 (en) 2019-01-15 2019-01-15 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring
US18/202,537 Abandoned US20230296128A1 (en) 2019-01-15 2023-05-26 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring
US19/289,600 Pending US20250354580A1 (en) 2019-01-15 2025-08-04 Composite shaft with outer periphery ring

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EP3683462A2 (en) 2020-07-22
EP3683462B1 (en) 2021-10-27
EP3683462A3 (en) 2020-10-07
EP3954912A2 (en) 2022-02-16
US20200224711A1 (en) 2020-07-16
EP3954912B1 (en) 2023-04-26
EP3954912A3 (en) 2022-04-06
US20250354580A1 (en) 2025-11-20
US11692585B2 (en) 2023-07-04

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