Polygon prism torsion bar
AssigneeSteering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
InventorsEric D. Pattok, Sai Saagar S. Adimulam
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A torsion bar is provided that is easy, quick, and cost effective to manufacture. The torsion bar may extend along an axis and have a first end and a second end that is spaced from the first end. The torsion bar may have an active section positioned between the first and second ends. The active section may also have a length defined along the axis. A cross-section transverse to the axis may define a contour of the torsion bar where the contour may be uniform along the length of the active section. The contour may define at least one of a polygon and a polygon-like shape.
Claims17
A torsion bar extending along an axis, the torsion bar comprising:
- a first end;
- a second end spaced from the first end;
- an active section positioned between the first and second ends, the active section having a length defined along the axis;
- a chamfer extending immediately and radially inwardly from the active section to one of the first end and the second end;
- a cross-section transverse to the axis, the cross-section defining a contour of the torsion bar where the contour is uniform along the entire length of the active section;
- and
- wherein the contour is defined as of at least one of a polygon and a polygon-like shape,
- wherein the torsion bar is a single, integrally formed component.
A vehicle steering column assembly comprising:
- a first steering column component;
- a second steering column component;
- and
- a torsion bar disposed between the first steering column component and the second steering column component, the torsion bar being a single, integrally formed component comprising:
- a first end operatively coupled to the first steering column component;
- a second end spaced from the first end and operatively coupled to the second steering column component;
- an active section positioned between and integral with the first and second ends, the active section having a length defined along the axis which the torsion bar extends along;
- a chamfer extending immediately and radially inwardly from the active section to one of the first end and the second end;
- a cross-section transverse to the axis, the cross-section defining a contour of the torsion bar where the contour is uniform along the entire length of the active section;
- and
- wherein the contour is defined as of at least one of a polygon and a polygon-like shape.
A method of forming a torsion bar, the method comprising:
- providing a stock material;
- forming a stock torsion bar with the stock material where the stock torsion bar has a first length and a uniform contour along the entire first length of the stock torsion bar;
- cutting the stock torsion bar to form a torsion bar with the uniform contour and having a first end and a second end;
- and
- forming chamfers adjacent at least one of the first end and the second end, wherein the chamfers extend immediately radially inwardly from an end of the first length to the first end and/or the second end;
- wherein the torsion bar is a single, integrally formed component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.