Concealed-Lock Retaining Ring for Tamper-Resistant Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retaining rings can loosen under high loads or when tolerances are problematic, and additional locking mechanisms fail to prevent improper disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A retaining ring design with a concealed locking device, utilizing a ring segment and closure element connected by a snap-on connection, which prevents disassembly by making the locking mechanism inaccessible after installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent the retaining ring from opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of retaining ring openingVSAvoidnumber of additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is integrated into the ring segment itself, merging the locking function with the retaining ring structure. The locking device consists of locking elements that are part of the ring segment, eliminating the need for separate locking components while preventing the retaining ring from opening improperly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted as a separate locking device with locking elements that can engage with the housing, allowing the retaining ring to be locked in place without requiring complex additional components. The locking elements can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If additional components are added to prevent improper disassembly, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to more components to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of improper disassemblyVSAvoidsimplicity of assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into multiple locking elements distributed around the ring segment. These locking elements can engage with corresponding features in the housing to prevent improper disassembly. The segmented design allows selective engagement of locking elements without requiring complex overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking elements are designed to automatically engage with the housing during assembly, providing self-locking functionality. The retaining ring structure itself facilitates the locking action without requiring additional manual operations or complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the locking device is made accessible for disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to possibility of improper disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of locking mechanismVSAvoidprevention of misuse

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the locking device have different accessibility characteristics. The locking elements are positioned to be accessible during proper assembly but become concealed or inaccessible during normal operation. This local differentiation in accessibility allows easy assembly while preventing improper disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Prevents improper disassembly and misuse by ensuring the locking device is concealed, allowing only visible damage upon attempted removal, thus maintaining the ring's integrity under operational forces.

Implementation Method 1

The recess in the ring segment is used to compress the ring segment to a smaller diameter (hereinafter referred to as the installation diameter) for installation. After the installation of the ring segment, it opens outward again due to the spring-back forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12533917B2Retaining ring, arrangement and method for installing the retaining ring

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 VIBRACOUSTIC SE

AI summary

The invention relates to a retaining ring for securing a component. The retaining ring includes a ring segment having an outer circumference for fixing the retaining ring in the axial direction, a recess extending along a circumferential direction of the ring segment, and a closure element for closing off the recess. In embodiments, the ring segment forms a contact surface to fix the component in the axial direction, and the retaining ring has a locking device for locking the closure element in the recess. In embodiments, the locking device is concealed at least on one side of the retaining ring facing away from the contact surface.