Bore Retaining Ring with External Actuation Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bore retaining rings require complex assembly and disassembly processes, making it difficult to pre-assemble components and resulting in inefficient use of modular transmissions due to the need for separate work steps and limitations in load zone placement.
Innovation Solution
A bore retaining ring design with outward projections at the ends of the spring element, allowing actuation from outside the receiving bore, enabling easy positioning and eliminating the need for separate assembly steps, and incorporating a modular transmission with spacer sleeves and an outer groove for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bore retaining ring is arranged axially between assemblies outside the load zone, then the retaining ring can be positioned for securement, but complex assembly and disassembly procedures are required with multiple separate work steps
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating elements are positioned to protrude beyond the outer diameter of the retaining ring before installation, allowing preliminary engagement and alignment. This enables the retaining ring to be pre-positioned and prepared for installation without requiring complex in-situ manipulation during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating elements serve as intermediary components that extend beyond the retaining ring body, providing external engagement points for installation tools. These intermediaries facilitate the installation and removal processes by allowing access to the retaining ring without requiring disassembly of adjacent assemblies.
2Ease of operation
If the recess of the bore retaining ring is dimensioned sufficiently wide to allow engagement of actuating elements, then the actuators can be operated, but the outer diameter increases preventing insertion into the location hole
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is segmented into the main ring body and separate actuating elements. The actuating elements are positioned at the ends of the spring element and can protrude beyond the outer diameter, while the main body maintains a compact size for insertion. This segmentation allows the operational parts to be accessible without increasing the insertion dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating elements are arranged in a radial direction extending beyond the outer diameter, rather than increasing the radial dimension uniformly. This dimensional arrangement allows actuation access from the radial direction while maintaining a compact cross-sectional profile for insertion through the location hole.
3Productivity
If pre-assembled assemblies are used to enable quick assembly, then installation time is reduced, but the existing retaining ring design requires certain assemblies to not be installed beforehand
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating elements serve as intermediary components that extend beyond the retaining ring body, providing external engagement points for installation tools. These intermediaries facilitate the installation and removal processes by allowing access to the retaining ring without requiring disassembly of adjacent assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating elements are positioned to protrude beyond the outer diameter of the retaining ring before installation, allowing preliminary engagement and alignment. This enables the retaining ring to be pre-positioned and prepared for installation without requiring complex in-situ manipulation during the assembly process.
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
Facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly of modular transmission components, allowing pre-assembled assemblies to be used and enhancing the modular design by enabling load zone accommodation without bending the retaining ring, while withstanding greater axial forces.
Implementation Method 1
an arcuate spring member having opposite first and second ends
Implementation Method 2
first and second actuating members... The actuators are located outside the outer diameter of the bore retaining ring
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The circlip (10) has two operating elements (16, 17), and an arcuate spring element (11) comprising two ends (12, 13), where the circlip is made from metal, spring steel or plastic. Outwardly-pointing projections (14, 15) are formed at respective ends of the circlip, where the operating elements are arranged on the projections at an outer side of outer diameter of the circlip. The projections are formed as elongated rods, and the operating elements are designed as eye holes, where thickness (D) of the spring element is defined by difference between inner and outer diameters of the circlip. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a component gearbox (2) a method for mounting a component assembly (3) a method for demounting a component assembly.