Electromechanical screw drive actuator

An axial load support and transfer structure for use in a linear screw drive actuator having a drive screw shaft rotatable by a source of motive power, a nut threadably engaged on the drive screw shaft for linear translation therealong, a hollow extension rod drivably coupled to the nut, and the extension rod adapted to accommodate the drive screw shaft therein, comprising:

• an end fitting having a bearing recess therein;
• a ball bearing seated in the bearing recess;
• wherein the drive screw shaft includes a screw pivot recess in a first end thereof sized to accommodate the ball bearing in-line with an axial plane of the drive screw shaft;
• and
• wherein the drive screw shaft further defines a bearing race around its outer periphery in proximity to the first end;
• a plurality of ball bearings accommodated in the bearing race;
• and
• a bearing retainer fixably attached to the end fitting, the bearing retainer having an axial groove adapted to accommodate the plurality of ball bearings.