Changes enabling the elimination of processes for a torsion bar

摘要

In one aspect of the invention, a torsion bar assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first shaft having a first bore, a second shaft having a second bore, the second shaft operatively coupled to the first shaft, and a torsion bar positioned within the first and second bores. The torsion bar includes a splined first end having a first diameter extending to a first end face having a diameter generally the same as the first diameter, a splined second end having a second diameter extending to a second end face having a diameter generally the same as the second diameter, and an active diameter extending between the splined first end and the splined second end. The torsion bar is fabricated from a material having a hardness greater than 45 Rockwell C-Scale.

主权项

1. A torsion bar assembly for a steering column assembly, the torsion bar assembly comprising:
a first steering column shaft having a first bore; a second steering column shaft having a second bore, the second shaft operatively coupled to the first shaft; and a torsion bar positioned within the first and second bores, the torsion bar, the first and second bores coaxially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes, the torsion bar comprising:
a splined first end having a first diameter extending completely to a first end face having a diameter generally the same as the first diameter;a splined second end having a second diameter extending completely to a second end face having a diameter generally the same as the second diameter;an active diameter extending between the splined first end and the splined second end; anda minor diameter of the splined first end smaller than the active diameter.