Helically wound bushing
US4728088A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 1986 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S251/902
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A helical bearing bushing for use between a cylindrical shaft and an element containing a bore disposed around the shaft, such as a kingpin and steering knuckle assembly, includes a helically wound spring wire as the bearing bushing. The spring wire is helically wound to form a tubular member having interior and exterior surfaces which form the respective bearing surfaces. The tensile force of the helical spring holds arcuate surfaces of adjacent coils in elastic abutment, although lubricant under pressure can elastically separate the coils and pass from one surface to the other. Non abutting portions of the arcuate surfaces form helical lubrication grooves. Either the interior surface or the exterior surface, or both, may be machined flat to provide a better bearing surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.