Patent ID: 7478969
Filing Date: 2009-01-20
Classification: F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A rotatable combination, said combination defining a longitudinally extending rotational axis and comprising: a first member having a first longitudinally extending plurality of splines; a second member having a second longitudinally extending plurality of splines, said second plurality of splines extending substantially parallel to said rotational axis; wherein said first plurality of splines include a first longitudinally extending section and a second longitudinally extending section, said first longitudinal section defining a first orientation relative to said rotational axis and said second longitudinal section defining a second orientation relative to said rotational axis, said second orientation differing from said first orientation and defining a substantially constant angle with said rotational axis, said first longitudinal section positioned to engage said second plurality of splines prior to engagement of said second longitudinal section with said second plurality of splines during assembly of said first and second members; wherein engagement of said first longitudinal section with said second plurality of splines defines a first resistance to relative longitudinal movement between said first and second members and engagement of said second longitudinal section with said second plurality of splines defines a second resistance to relative longitudinal movement between said first and second members, said second resistance being greater than said first resistance for a common interdigitated longitudinal length; and wherein engagement of said second longitudinal section with said second plurality of splines rotatably drivingly couples said first and second members in a substantially backlash-free engagement; and wherein said first longitudinal section of said first plurality of splines extends at a substantially constant angle relative to said rotational axis, said first and second longitudinal sections being inclined in opposite directions relative to said rotational axis.