Self-Locking Bearing Ring with Oblique Claws for Engine Intake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaft bushings in internal combustion engine intake manifolds face challenges in securely retaining the bearing ring within the bearing ring receptacle, particularly during transportation and operation, where forces and vibrations can cause the bearing ring to fall out or become dislodged.

Innovation Solution

The integration of obliquely extending claws on the bearing ring, which dig into the radially inner peripheral side of the receptacle upon insertion and counter to the insertion direction, provides a self-locking mechanism that prevents the bearing ring from falling out, eliminating the need for additional securing methods and simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the bearing ring is simply inserted into the bearing ring receptacle, then the installation process is simple, but the bearing ring cannot be securely retained and may fall out during transportation or operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidretention security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing ring is segmented with multiple claws (at least three claws arranged circumferentially) that can independently engage with the receptacle wall, allowing simple insertion while providing secure retention through distributed engagement points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding complex external securing mechanisms to retain the bearing ring, the solution inverts the approach by integrating claws directly onto the bearing ring itself, allowing the ring to self-retain through its own structural features during insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If additional securing mechanisms are added to prevent the bearing ring from falling out, then retention security is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention function is merged with the bearing ring itself by integrating claws directly onto the ring structure, eliminating the need for separate securing mechanisms and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining reliable retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing ring with integrated claws is designed to self-retain within the receptacle through its own structural features, eliminating the need for additional external securing components and simplifying the overall assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the claws are made firm to ensure secure locking, then retention security is improved, but the installation force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-locking capabilityVSAvoidinstallation force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The claw geometry is optimized with specific angle ranges (30°-60° from radial direction) and length-to-diameter ratios (0.1-0.3) that provide adequate locking force through geometric engagement rather than material strength, reducing installation force requirements while maintaining reliable self-locking capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2592289B1Shaft passage of a housing of an internal combustion engine and bearing ring of a shaft passage

Publication Date: 2017.02.15 MANN HUMMEL GMBH

AI summary

Theshaft penetration has bearing receptacle that receives bearing (28) in insertion direction. A claw (40) placed on bearing is extended at slant angle relative to central axis of bearing past radial outer circumferential side of bearing. A free end of claw is hooked in direction opposite to insertion direction in a radial inner circumferential side of bearing receptacle. A claw ring (36) is provided with annular support section (38), and integral and unitary with bearing as single component. The claw and claw ring are molded together with bearing or overmolded onto bearing.