US 11,718,340 B2
Actuator leadscrew assembly for steering column
Christopher W. Gibbs, Saginaw, MI (US); James E. Rouleau, Burt, MI (US); and Harmony J. Hudnall, Montrose, MI (US)
Assigned to Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed by Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed on Jun. 25, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/912,674.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/894,225, filed on Aug. 30, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2021/0061341 A1, Mar. 4, 2021
Int. Cl. F16H 25/24 (2006.01); B62D 1/185 (2006.01); B62D 1/187 (2006.01); F16C 17/02 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 1/185 (2013.01) [B62D 1/187 (2013.01); F16C 17/02 (2013.01); F16H 25/24 (2013.01)] 4 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of assembling a linear actuator assembly comprising:
pressing a first bearing on to and over a linear actuator shaft;
pressing a housing over the linear actuator shaft and into abutment with the first bearing;
pressing a second bearing over the linear actuator shaft and into abutment with the housing, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are solely axially retained during a normal operating condition with the press fit load applied between each respective bearing and the housing; and
disposing a retaining ring over the linear actuator shaft to retain the second bearing, wherein the retaining ring is formed of spring steel and is not in contact with the first bearing or the second bearing during normal operating conditions.