Patent attributes
A shaft assembly comprises an annular hub with a shaft extending therefrom. The hub and the shaft are integrally formed from a single forging, thereby reducing stress concentration locations within the assembly. The hub includes a circumferential wall having a wall thickness. A plurality of teeth protrude from the circumferential wall. Each of the plurality of teeth has a tooth thickness, with the tooth thickness being greater than the wall thickness. Splines are formed on an outer surface of the shaft. Preferably, the splines are induction hardened. A method of manufacturing the shaft assembly includes forging a base member and flow forming the base member into the hub and the shaft to create the shaft assembly. Next, the plurality of teeth are formed within the hub. Finally, the splines are formed on the shaft, and preferably induction hardened.
