L-Shaped Snap Ring Retention in Shallow Groove Transmission Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motor vehicle transmissions, shallow mounting grooves for snap rings increase the likelihood of snap ring deformation and exit from the groove due to applied forces, which can prevent friction element assemblies from being actuated, especially in designs where stress reduction is beneficial.
Innovation Solution
A friction element assembly design featuring a shallow mounting groove with an L-shaped snap ring and a pressure plate configuration where the snap ring's leg portion contacts the pressure plate's edge, preventing deformation and exit from the groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a shallow mounting groove is used for the snap ring, then stress in the housing is reduced, but the snap ring may be deformed and exit the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring is changed from a conventional circular shape to an L-shaped configuration. This dimensional change allows the snap ring to engage with the pressure plate edge in addition to the groove, creating a two-point retention system that prevents exit while maintaining shallow groove depth for stress reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure plate edge acts as an intermediary retention element. The L-shaped snap ring's leg portion contacts this intermediate surface, providing an additional retention point that works in conjunction with the shallow groove to prevent snap ring exit during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a shallow mounting groove is used for the snap ring, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the snap ring may be deformed and exit the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring is changed from a conventional circular shape to an L-shaped configuration. This dimensional change allows the snap ring to engage with the pressure plate edge in addition to the groove, creating a two-point retention system that prevents exit while maintaining shallow groove depth for stress reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure plate edge acts as an intermediary retention element. The L-shaped snap ring's leg portion contacts this intermediate surface, providing an additional retention point that works in conjunction with the shallow groove to prevent snap ring exit during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A friction element assembly for a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a set of plates and friction members. A piston assembly is configured to apply a force to the set of plates and friction members. The friction element assembly also includes a housing with a mounting groove; a pressure plate having first and second edges; and a snap ring positioned in the mounting groove. The snap ring is positioned such that first edge of the pressure plate contacts the snap ring and the second edge of the pressure plate extends across a portion of the snap ring. The snap ring is L-shaped and includes a leg portion that contacts the second edge of the pressure plate when the piston assembly applies a force to the set of plates and friction members.