US 12,330,709 B2
Ball nut and ballscrew absolute position sensor for vehicle steering system
Christopher R. Case Myers, Freeland, MI (US); Eric D. Pattok, Frankenmuth, MI (US); and Travis L. Palmer, Frankenmuth, MI (US)
Assigned to Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed by Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed on Dec. 9, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/078,550.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/318,128, filed on Mar. 9, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0286582 A1, Sep. 14, 2023
Int. Cl. B62D 15/02 (2006.01); F16H 25/20 (2006.01); F16H 25/22 (2006.01); F16H 25/24 (2006.01); G01D 5/14 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 15/0225 (2013.01) [F16H 25/2015 (2013.01); F16H 25/2204 (2013.01); F16H 25/24 (2013.01); G01D 5/142 (2013.01); G01D 5/145 (2013.01); G01D 2205/14 (2021.05); G01D 2205/26 (2021.05); G01D 2205/28 (2021.05)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An absolute position sensor comprising:
a first gear having a plurality of teeth;
a rotational position sensor operatively coupled to the first gear to be configured to detect a rotational position of the first gear; and
a second gear comprising a spiral tooth engaged with the plurality of teeth of the first gear to rotate with the first gear, and having a first end with a first distance from a center of the second gear, and an opposite second end with a second distance from the center of the second gear, the second distance being less than the first distance.