Screw-Free Rolling Bearing Retaining Ring Fastening System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly process of rotating electric machines using rolling bearing retaining rings is time-consuming and requires multiple operations, and existing solutions are not adaptable to different bearing sizes or screw-free mounting.

Innovation Solution

A rolling bearing retaining ring fastening system that uses a snap-fit or mechanical stop pressure fit mechanism, featuring guiding and pressure engaging means, allowing for secure mounting without screws, and compatible with various bearing sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rolling bearing retaining rings are fixed by screws to the housing, then the bearing is securely locked, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing locking securityVSAvoidassembly process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the screws from the fastening system, replacing the screw-based retaining ring with a screw-free retaining ring that uses integral engagement elements (protrusions and grooves) to secure the bearing directly to the housing, thereby reducing assembly operations and time while maintaining secure locking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring is designed with self-aligning and self-securing features through its engagement elements that automatically position and lock into the housing without requiring external fastening tools or operations, enabling the system to secure itself during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If a standard retaining ring design is used, then the assembly process is simple, but the solution is not adaptable to different bearing sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with different bearing sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining ring is designed with universal engagement elements that can adapt to different bearing sizes through modular or adjustable configuration, allowing the same basic retaining ring design to serve multiple bearing dimensions while maintaining simple assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement elements are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to adapt their position or configuration to match different bearing sizes, enabling a single retaining ring design to accommodate various bearing dimensions while preserving assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple engagement elements are used to secure the retaining ring, then the bearing is fixed more securely, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing fixation securityVSAvoidretaining ring structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple engagement elements into an integrated retaining ring structure where the protrusions and grooves form a unified system that provides secure multi-point fixation without requiring separate components, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3835607B1Rotating electric machine
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 WEG EQUIP ELETRICOS SA
  • EP3835607B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3835607B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3835607B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a rotating electric machine having a rolling bearing retaining ring (5) fastening system comprising a rolling bearing retaining ring (5) comprising a body portion (8) with a hole (8a) for the passage of an electrical machine shaft (7), the body portion comprising at least one guiding engaging means (9) and at least one pressure engaging means (10); and a retaining ring receiving portion formed at one end of the housing (1a), the retaining ring receiving portion comprising at least one guiding engaging means (11) configured to receive the corresponding guiding engaging means (9) of the rolling bearing retaining ring (5) and at least one pressure engaging means (12) configured to receive the corresponding pressure engaging means (10) of the rolling bearing retaining ring (5).