Bearing assembly
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorTodd E. Allen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bearing assembly comprises an inner ring having an inner circumferential surface, and an outer circumferential surface defining an inner bearing race thereon, an outer ring having an outer circumferential surface, and an inner circumferential surface defining in outer bearing race thereon. The inner bearing race of the inner ring and the outer bearing race of the outer ring are located in a radially spaced apart relationship. A bearing member comprising a rod, having one of a circular cross-section and an ovular cross-section, is formed as a wound helix and is disposed between, and in line contact with, the inner bearing race and the outer bearing race to support relative rotation of the inner ring and the outer ring.
Claims12
A bearing assembly comprising:
- an inner ring having an inner circumferential surface, and an outer circumferential surface defining an inner bearing race thereon;
- an outer ring having an outer circumferential surface, and an inner circumferential surface having a substantially uniform inner diameter defining in outer bearing race thereon, wherein the inner bearing race of the inner ring and the outer bearing race of the outer ring are located in a radially spaced apart relationship;
- and
- a bearing member having a substantially uniform outer diameter comprising a rod, having one of a circular cross-section and an ovular cross-section, formed as a wound helix and disposed between, and in line contact with, the inner bearing race and the outer bearing race to support relative rotation of the inner ring and the outer ring.
A steering column assembly having a rotatable steering shaft extending through a vehicle bulkhead and supported by a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly comprising:
- an inner ring disposed, on the rotatable steering shaft, and having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface defining an inner bearing race thereon;
- an outer ring having an outer circumferential surface fixedly disposed relative to the vehicle bulkhead, and an inner circumferential surface defining an outer bearing race thereon, wherein the inner bearing race of the inner ring and the outer bearing race of the outer ring are located in a radially spaced apart relationship;
- and
- a bearing member comprising a rod, having one of a circular cross-section and an ovular cross-section, formed as a wound helix and disposed between, and in line contact with the inner bearing race and the outer bearing race to support rotation of the rotatable steering shaft relative to the vehicle bulkhead.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.