IP Library Granted Patent US 8,430,780
Granted Patent B2
US 8,430,780 · App. 12/220,028 · Granted Apr 30, 2013

Support structure for differential

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,430,780
App. No.
12/220,028
Granted
Apr 30, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A support structure for a differential assembly comprising: a support ring having a peripheral wall extending between a first face and a second face, the support ring having a non-hollow center; a bore in the peripheral wall sized and shaped to receive a pinion shaft; and an aperture in the first face, the second aperture in fluid communication with the first aperture.

Claims (16)

1. A support structure for a differential assembly comprising:

a support ring having a peripheral wall extending between a first face and a second face, the support ring having a non-hollow body;

a bore in the peripheral wall sized and shaped to receive a pinion shaft;

a first aperture in the first face and a second aperture in the second face, the second aperture in fluid communication with the first aperture; and

wherein the first face is recessed into the support ring.

2. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the support ring is machined from a non-hollow material.

3. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the support ring is die cast.

4. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the first aperture is smaller in size than the bore.

5. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the bore is circular and extends a predetermined distance toward the center of the support ring.

6. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the bore terminates into the non-hollow body of the support ring.

7. A differential housing assembly comprising:

a pinion shaft;

a support ring having an outer wall and a non-hollow body, the support ring having a bore formed in the outer wall for receiving at least a portion of the pinion shaft, wherein the support ring has a first aperture and second aperture in fluid communication with the bore; and

wherein the bore extends toward the center of the support ring and terminates within the non-hollow body of the support ring.

8. The differential housing assembly of claim 7 further comprising:

one or more pinion gears attached to the pinion shafts.

Assignments (5)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 3, 2025
From: AMERICAN AXLE MANUFACTURING, INC.; MD INVESTORS CORPORATION; AAM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
To: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 073005/0001 →
MERGER Recorded Jul 26, 2022
From: METALDYNE, LLC
To: MD INVESTORS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 060622/0528 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 31, 2022
From: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 060244/0001 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 8, 2017
From: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.; CLOYES GEAR AND PRODUCTS, INC.; GREDE LLC; GREDE II LLC; METALDYNE, LLC; METALDYNE BSM, LLC; MSP INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 042734/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS RECORDED AT R/F 034024/0440 Recorded Apr 6, 2017
From: GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, AS AGENT
To: METALDYNE, LLC
Reel/Frame 042178/0559 →