Patent ID: 8819940
Filing Date: 2014-09-02
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a linear actuator having a screw shaft with an externally threaded portion, the method comprising: providing a thrust tube member for the linear actuator; inserting a portion of the thrust tube member into a casting portion of a molding apparatus, the casting portion being fitted with a model screw member having a threaded portion that matches the externally threaded portion of the screw shaft, wherein the portion of the thrust tube inserted into the casting portion surrounds the threaded portion of the model screw member; adding a molding material into the casting portion to overmold a nut onto the thrust tube member, the nut comprising a threaded portion on an internal circumference mateable with the threaded portion of the model screw member; removing the thrust tube member from the casting portion of the molding apparatus into which the model screw member is fitted, wherein the thrust tube member is ready to receive the screw shaft of the linear actuator; and coupling the overmolded nut and thrust tube member to a screw shaft of the actuator, wherein the threaded portion on the internal circumference of the nut mates with an externally threaded portion of the screw shaft and an outer portion of the nut is overmolded onto an external circumference of the thrust tube member.