[1][4] They are often used to isolate undesirable vibration in engines and electric motors, for noise-free mechanism operation in passenger vehicles and domestic appliances, where noise reduction has become a major trend in recent years.
[5] Their torque limiting and overload capabilities allow them to be used as simple clutch devices in several applications, such as the automatic tailgate motor[6] and the collapsible steering column.
[5] Their lightweight properties have also made tolerance rings attractive to automotive manufacturers as they seek to enhance car performance[5] while complying with government requirements for reductions in carbon emissions.
[8] China is beginning to introduce legislation to create a National Standard, based on carbon emission reduction regulations already in effect in Europe.
[9][10] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires automotive companies to average carbon dioxide (CO2) tailpipe emissions at 101 grams per kilometer (163 grams/mile) by model year 2025.
[13] In most modern Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems, the motor housing is a part of the rack casting which is usually made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum alloys.
The tolerance ring is designed to axially slip at a predetermined torque level, enabling the shaft to slide inside its housing in a crash, absorbing impact energy to protect the driver.
This allows the inner shaft to move freely within the housing when the steering lock is applied, while securing the two parts in place during normal car operation.
[6] To ensure the armrest stays in place when it is stowed away by the passenger and does not fall down when the car travels over rough terrain, a tolerance ring is used at the pivot.
The waves on their outer surface allow them to absorb excess vibration to reduce torque ripple effect and resonance to improve the HDD’s performance.