Patent ID: 7484759
Filing Date: 2009-02-03
Classification: B62D,F16B,F16D

Abstract:
1. A power steering assembly for a vehicle, comprising: an input shaft having first and second end portions extending along an axis and a first aperture extending substantially axially into the first end portion; a torsion shaft having third and fourth end portions, the third end portion having a first plurality of splines and the fourth end portion having a second plurality of splines, the third end portion being disposed in the first aperture, the first plurality of splines on the third end portion fixedly coupling the torsion shaft to the input shaft; an output shaft having fifth and sixth end portions and a second aperture extending substantially axially into the fifth end portion toward the sixth end portion, the fourth end portion of the torsion shaft being disposed in the second aperture, the second plurality of splines on the fourth end portion fixedly coupling the torsion shaft to the output shaft the input shaft further having at least one stopping flange proximate the first end portion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the input shaft; the fifth end portion of the output shaft being configured to overlap the first end portion of the input shaft such that at least a portion of the first end portion is disposed in the second aperture; the output shaft having at least one slot extending from the second aperture into the fifth end portion configured to receive the stopping flange of the input shaft; and wherein rotation of the input shaft and the stopping flange at least a predetermined distance in a first direction induces the stopping flange to engage a surface defined by the slot to induce rotational movement of the output shaft in the first direction.