US 11,697,451 B2
Electric powered gear assembly for steering system
Christopher R. Case Myers, Freeland, MI (US); Eric D. Pattok, Frankenmuth, MI (US); Brian J. Magnus, Frankenmuth, MI (US); Travis L. Palmer, Frankenmuth, MI (US); and Ryan D. Harris, Birch Run, MI (US)
Assigned to Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed by Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed on Mar. 10, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/691,223.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/257,677, filed on Oct. 20, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/158,986, filed on Mar. 10, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0289272 A1, Sep. 15, 2022
Int. Cl. B62D 5/04 (2006.01); F16H 25/22 (2006.01); F16H 25/20 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 5/0448 (2013.01) [B62D 5/043 (2013.01); B62D 5/0403 (2013.01); F16H 25/2209 (2013.01); F16H 2025/2031 (2013.01); F16H 2025/2046 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An electric powered recirculating ball assembly comprising:
a shaft having a plurality of sector teeth extending therefrom;
an eccentric sleeve defining a bore containing a portion of the shaft, the eccentric sleeve comprising an upper sleeve segment and a lower sleeve segment that are separate components, the eccentric sleeve defining an opening that the sector teeth extend through;
a male interlock feature on one of the upper sleeve segment and the lower sleeve segment; and
a female interlock feature on the other of the upper sleeve segment and the lower sleeve segment, wherein the male interlock feature and the female interlock feature position the sleeve segments relative to each other.