Abstract: A tolerance ring including a substrate, and an overlying layer including at least one of a thermal enhancement layer and a retention layer, the thermal enhancement layer including at least one of (i) Vickers hardness <400 VPN or (ii) a thermal conductivity >100 W/m·K, the tolerance ring being adapted to provide at least one of (a) a thermal transfer between the inner member and the outer member, (b) a coefficient of friction between the retention layer and the outer member, ?1, and a coefficient of friction between the substrate and the outer member, ?2, and where ?1>?2, or (c) a retention force, Rf, between the inner member and the outer member, and the assembly has an assembly force, Af, and where Rf>0.1 Af, wherein the tolerance ring includes a plurality of projections protruding radially inward or radially outward.

Abstract: Systems and methods include providing a tolerance ring with a friction enhancement feature on at least one surface of the tolerance ring to increase at least one friction-related property of the tolerance ring. The friction enhancement feature provides the tolerance ring with an increased retention force while providing an optimum radial force that allows a component secured by the tolerance ring to move freely while reducing or altogether preventing axial movement of the component.

Abstract: A steering assembly including an inner steering member; an outer steering member; a leaf spring disposed between the inner steering member and the outer steering member and adapted to bias the inner steering member, wherein the leaf spring comprises an inner portion and a plurality of outer portions, wherein the outer portions comprise end portions of the leaf spring that are folded over such that the outer portions overlie the inner portion, forming a folded edge; and a low friction layer supported by the leaf spring.

Abstract: A tolerance ring including a substrate, and an overlying layer including at least one of a thermal enhancement layer and a retention layer, the thermal enhancement layer including at least one of i) Vickers hardness <400 VPM or ii) a thermal conductivity >100 W/m*K, the tolerance ring being adapted to provide at least one of a) a thermal transfer between the inner member and the outer member, b) a coefficient of friction between the retention layer and the outer member, ?1, and a coefficient of friction between the substrate and the outer member, ?2, and where ?1>?2, or c) a retention force, Rf, between the inner member and the outer member, and the assembly has an assembly force, Af, and where Rf>0.1 Af, wherein the tolerance ring includes a plurality of projections protruding radially inward or radially outward.

Abstract: A tolerance ring can include a generally cylindrical body that can include a sidewall that defines a top and a bottom. The sidewall can include an upper unformed band and a lower unformed band opposite the upper unformed band. A plurality of shoulderless wave structures can protrude radially from the sidewall between the upper unformed band and the lower unformed band. Each shoulderless wave structure can be connected only to the upper unformed band and the lower unformed band. The sidewall of the tolerance ring can also include a plurality of unformed sections and a gap that extends along the entire axial length of the body. Each unformed section can be located between a pair of adjacent shoulderless wave structures. Moreover, the gap can establish a split in the body.