Worm Wheel Protrusions for Electric Power Steering Lubrication

The gear tooth surface is segmented into multiple protrusions that are distributed around the gear circumference. Each protrusion acts as an independent lubricant reservoir and circulation pathway, ensuring that lubricating fats and oils are distributed across multiple locations rather than adhering to large continuous housing surfaces. This segmentation maintains lubricant circulation while providing adequate lubrication at each meshing point.

The protrusions serve as intermediary structures between the gear tooth surfaces and the housing. Instead of lubricating fats and oils directly contacting the housing inner surfaces where they would adhere, the protrusions act as intermediate carriers that hold and circulate the lubricant. The lubricant is transferred from the housing to the protrusions and then to the tooth surfaces, preventing direct adherence to the housing while maintaining circulation.

The protrusions create localized regions with different lubricant retention characteristics. The protrusion tips have high lubricant concentration for effective lubrication, while the spaces between protrusions allow for better drainage and circulation. This local quality variation enables the system to maintain high lubricity where needed while preventing excessive adherence that would reduce circulation.

The protrusions create dynamic lubricant circulation patterns as the gear rotates. Lubricating fats and oils are continuously pumped from the housing onto the protrusion surfaces and then distributed to the meshing zones. This dynamic circulation prevents the lubricant from statically adhering to housing surfaces while maintaining adequate lubricity during operation. The circulation quantity is restored through the continuous pumping action.