Bearing Retention via Lock Ring and Spring Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing retention methods using threaded lock-nuts require significant torque and are prone to critical failure during vibration or modal events, and are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly method utilizing a lock ring and spring ring configuration, where the spring ring is press-fit onto the gear shaft, positioned between circumferential grooves, and rotated to be covered by the lock ring, eliminating the need for threaded engagement and reducing the risk of over-torque and vibration-induced failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded lock-nuts are used to secure bearings, then bearing retention is achieved, but significant torque is required and critical failure can occur during vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-nut is segmented into a lock ring with a slot and a separate spring ring. The spring ring is inserted through the slot in the lock ring, dividing the retention function into two complementary components that work together to eliminate the need for high-torque threaded engagement while maintaining reliable bearing retention.
2Reliability
If threaded lock-nuts are used to secure bearings, then bearing retention is achieved, but critical failure can occur during vibration or modal events
Solution Approach 1:
The spring ring provides dynamic compliance through its elastic properties, allowing the bearing retention system to adapt to vibration and modal events. The spring ring can deform elastically under vibrational loads and return to its original position, preventing the critical failure that occurs with rigid threaded lock-nuts during vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring ring acts as an intermediary element between the lock ring and the bearing, absorbing and dampening vibrational forces. This intermediary component protects the bearing retention system from vibration-induced failure by providing a compliant interface that reduces stress concentration.
3Reliability
If threaded lock-nuts are used to secure bearings, then bearing retention is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The spring ring is designed as a simple, inexpensive elastic component that can be manufactured at low cost. Rather than using expensive threaded lock-nuts with complex machining requirements, the spring ring provides equivalent or superior retention security at a fraction of the manufacturing cost, aligning with the principle of using simpler, cheaper components to achieve the desired function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides secure bearing retention without the need for threaded engagement, reducing the risk of over-torque and increasing shear strength, while also being more cost-effective than traditional lock-nut solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A second ring is fed into a slot in the first ring. The second ring is driven through the slot in the first ring. The second ring is positioned within the first ring.
Implementation Method 2
The second ring is rotated about the gear shaft such that a first end and a second end of the second ring are covered by a solid portion of the first ring.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a bearing assembly includes fitting a first ring onto a first end of a gear shaft. A second ring is fed into a slot in the first ring. The second ring is driven through the slot in the first ring. The second ring is positioned within the first ring. The second ring is positioned about the gear shaft such that a first end and a second end of the second ring are covered by a solid portion of the first ring.