Interlocking Ring Fastener for Full-Circumference Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining rings, such as single turn bands, fail to provide reliable full circumference support due to thermal expansion, while multi-turn rings lack sufficient torsional stiffness, leading to instability and incomplete component securing.
Innovation Solution
A ring fastener with a discontinuous band featuring interlockable elongate finger members and a tongue member, allowing for a closed configuration that maintains 360-degree support and accommodates expansion/contraction, while being easier to manufacture and assemble compared to multi-turn fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single turn retaining ring is used, then the ring is easier to manufacture and install, but thermal expansion causes the ends to move apart, opening the gap and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The single turn band is segmented into interlockable finger members and a tongue member that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the ring to accommodate thermal expansion through controlled movement of the tongue member between finger members, while maintaining continuous circumference support and reliability.
2Reliability
If a two or more turn retaining ring is used, then the gap problem is overcome, but the material thickness is reduced, resulting in insufficient torsional stiffness and ring twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a multi-turn configuration (adding circumference) to a single turn configuration with enhanced dimensional features (thicker material, interlockable finger members). This dimensional change allows the single turn ring to achieve both continuous support and sufficient torsional stiffness without requiring multiple turns.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single turn ring is used, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but the ring cannot provide complete 360-degree support during thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The ring incorporates dynamic elements where the tongue member can move between the finger members in response to thermal expansion. This dynamic capability allows the single turn ring to maintain complete 360-degree support area during operation, adapting to dimensional changes while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
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 ring fastener provides stable and complete circumference support for components, resisting thermal fluctuations and deformation, ensuring secure mounting without requiring specialist equipment or skills, and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an open configuration wherein the first finger member is radially and/or axially deflected from its substantially aligned position, so that it is angled with respect to the circumferential surface of the band
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present invention describes a ring fastener (10) comprising a discontinuous band (11) having a first end (14) and a second end (16). The first end (14) comprises a pair of spaced-apart elongate finger members (15a,15b) (having a first finger member (15a) and a second finger member (15b)), and the second end (16) comprises an elongate tongue member (17). The finger members (15a,15b) and the tongue member (17) are interlockable, such that when interlocked, the band (11) comprises a continuous circumference. The ring fastener (10) further comprises a closed configuration wherein the finger members (15a,15b) and the tongue member (17) are substantially aligned with a circumferential surface (13) of the band (11); and an open configuration wherein the first finger member (15a) is radially and/or axially deflected from its substantially aligned position, so that it is angled with respect to the circumferential surface (13) of the band (11). The invention also describes a method of assembling a bore (40) and a component (42), and the use of such an assembly.