Rectangular Retaining Ring with Bevels for Cardan Shaft Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snap rings with round profiles for axial connections face challenges in reliable engagement and non-destructive release, often resulting in variable force requirements and potential damage during disassembly due to undefined positions and loose assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement using a locking ring with inclined bevels (15° to 35°) and a non-round, mirror-symmetrical shape, positioned with a sealing ring behind the retaining ring to facilitate secure axial load transmission and easy release without destruction, utilizing a retaining ring with defined bevels and a sealing ring configuration that prevents damage during assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snap ring with round profile is used for axial connection, then the connection can be released by axial movement, but the exact position within grooves cannot be clearly defined leading to variable force requirements and potential damage during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed with an asymmetric cross-section featuring a rectangular profile with rounded corners, where one side has a defined bevel at a specific angle (15°-35°) relative to the radial side face. This asymmetric geometry provides a unique engagement position within the groove, eliminating the position ambiguity of round-profile snap rings while maintaining non-destructive release capability through the inclined bevel surface.
2Strength
If the retaining ring is positioned to ensure secure connection, then axial load transmission is improved, but the sealing ring may be damaged during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is pre-installed in its groove before the retaining ring is engaged. The defined bevel angle (15°-35°) on the retaining ring is designed to guide the assembly process, ensuring that the retaining ring engages the groove at a controlled angle that prevents the sealing ring from being caught or damaged during the connection process. This preliminary positioning and controlled engagement sequence protects the sealing ring while ensuring secure axial load transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the bevel angle is increased to facilitate easier release, then disassembly force is reduced, but the connection strength during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bevel angle on the retaining ring is optimized within a specific range of 15° to 35° relative to the radial side face. This parameter range represents an optimal balance: angles within this range provide sufficient mechanical advantage for non-destructive release while maintaining adequate contact surface area and geometric interlocking to withstand operational axial loads. The defined angle range ensures both operational strength and ease of disassembly.
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 solution provides a reliable, non-destructive release mechanism that withstands defined axial loads and minimizes risk to the sealing ring, ensuring secure connection and easy disassembly while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the risk of damage to the sealing ring.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one defined bevel is inclined at an angle of between approximately 15° and approximately 35° with respect to a radial side face of the retaining ring. Such an angle of inclination makes it possible to transmit axial forces of, for example, about one ton through the retaining ring
Implementation Method 2
the snap rings with a round profile allow the connection to be released without being destroyed if, during an axial movement of the components connected together relative to one another, the edge of a groove hits the rounded surface of the snap ring and radially expands or compresses it
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting arrangement for connecting e.g. two components of a cardan shaft by means of a retaining ring, said retaining ring being produced of an elastic material, especially spring steel, and being provided with an e.g. radially extending gap. The retaining ring has a profile with a substantially rectangular cross-section. At least one edge of the profile has a defined bevel for fitting and/or removing the retaining ring. The invention further relates to a cardan shaft comprising a connecting arrangement of the above type.