Adjustable Retaining Ring Lock Nut for Torque-Preserving Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock nut systems require additional rotation and torque adjustment to align the retaining member and keeper teeth, which can disrupt the specified torque applied to the shaft and bearing assembly, making it difficult to lock the nut into position without changing the torque setting.
Innovation Solution
A lock nut system with a retaining member and keeper that allows the keeper to slide within a slot on the retaining member, enabling the locking teeth to align and engage with the nut teeth without rotating the nut, thus maintaining the desired torque setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nut is rotated to adjust the position of the nut teeth so that they mesh with the teeth of the retaining member or keeper, then the locking function is improved, but the torque applied by the nut onto the bearing changes, which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the adjustment function from the locking function. The retaining member can be adjusted independently along the slot to align teeth, while the nut remains fixed at the specified torque position on the shaft. This segmentation allows tooth alignment without disturbing the torque setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the adjustment mechanism from rotational adjustment (changing torque) to linear adjustment along the slot axis. The retaining member slides axially within the slot to achieve tooth alignment, while the nut's radial position and torque on the bearing remain unchanged.
2Ease of operation
If additional rotation of the nut is performed to align teeth, then the locking engagement is improved, but the specified torque setting is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The slot acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables adjustment of the retaining member without requiring rotation of the nut. The slot provides a controlled path for linear movement, allowing tooth alignment while maintaining the nut's precise torque position on the shaft.
3Reliability
If the nut position is adjusted to lock the retaining member, then the locking function is improved, but the torque and resultant force applied by the nut changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic adjustability in one dimension (linear movement along the slot) while maintaining static precision in another dimension (radial torque position). The retaining member can dynamically adjust its position along the slot to achieve locking, while the nut's torque position remains statically fixed.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock nut system includes a nut having a retaining member which includes a slot therein and a protrusion configured to fit within a recess of a shaft. A keeper includes a section receivable within the slot of the retaining member so when the nut is threadably engaged to the shaft to a desired torque the nut the keeper is slideable within the slot of the retaining member to allow the lock nut to be locked into position on the shaft without further rotation or other adjustment of the nut.