Patent ID: 11905584
Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Field: Mechanical elements (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC C  B  F | IPC B  C  F

Claim 14:
15. An apparatus for localized patterned surface hardening for light-weight alloys to increase wear resistance under lubricated contact, the apparatus comprising:
a first metallic structure including a steel ball bearing device;
a second metallic structure including a transmission case housing and a contact surface, the second metallic structure being disposed in lubricated contact with the first metallic structure at the contact surface, wherein the second metallic structure is constructed with a lighter-than-steel material and the contact surface includes a localized surface hardened pattern;
wherein at least one of the first metallic structure and the second metallic structure defines a plurality of cavities therein;
an oil lubricant disposed in continuous contact with the first metallic structure and the second metallic structure at the contact surface and disposed within the plurality of cavities; and
a transmission shaft inserted within the steel ball bearing device;
wherein the transmission case housing is constructed of aluminum or magnesium.