Electrically-actuated camshaft phasers with tapered features

An electrically-actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) device, comprising:

• an input configured to receive rotational force from an electric motor;
• an output configured to couple with a camshaft of an internal combustion engine;
• a planetary gear assembly with a plurality of planet gears each having radially outwardly extending gear teeth configured to engage ring gears and a radially-inwardly-facing surface;
• planet pins, supporting the planet gears, having an outer surface and an axis of rotation about which the planet gear rotates, received by openings in a carrier plate;
• and
• a plurality of springs applying force in a substantially axial direction along the axis of rotation that moves the planet gear in a radial direction.