Retaining Ring Expansion Assembly for Low-Labor Shaft Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor intensity of workers is high when installing retaining rings on shafts using traditional nipper pliers, as it is strenuous and requires continuous manual effort to expand and reset the retaining ring.
Innovation Solution
A device with an expansion assembly that includes a shell, push block, and symmetrical expansion members, utilizing a compression spring and limiting bump to expand and contract the retaining ring, which can be automated with a linear driving mechanism to reduce manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If nipper pliers or retainer pliers are used to expand and reset the retaining ring, then the retaining ring can be installed on the shaft, but the labor intensity of workers is high and the operation is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the elastic deformation of the retaining ring itself to achieve installation. The expansion members expand the retaining ring onto the shaft, and when the expansion members retract, the retaining ring automatically contracts and snaps into the annular groove without requiring manual resetting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of nipper pliers with an automated expansion mechanism. The expansion members are driven by a pushing mechanism that automatically expands and contracts the retaining ring, eliminating the need for workers to continuously hold and manipulate pliers.
2Ease of operation
If nipper pliers are used to expand the retaining ring, then the retaining ring can be sheathed on the shaft, but the pliers need to be held all the time which increases labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion members are designed to be movable rather than static. They can extend to expand the retaining ring onto the shaft and then retract automatically, allowing the retaining ring to be installed without continuous manual intervention. The dynamic movement of expansion members eliminates the need to hold pliers throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the expansion action in advance by positioning the expansion members to contact the retaining ring before the actual installation process begins. The pushing mechanism then automatically executes the expansion and contraction sequence, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding and adjustment during installation.
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 device significantly reduces labor intensity by automating the expansion and contraction of retaining rings, making the installation process more efficient and convenient for workers.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring is sheathed on a rear portion of the loading rod
Implementation Method 2
Due to the compression spring, the retaining ring is pushed to move forward to pass through the limiting bump
Implementation Method 3
the push block moves in a front-rear direction so that the expansion portions of the two expansion members move left and right, respectively... the front-most retaining ring is expanded by the expansion members, and the outer diameter of the front-most retaining ring becomes larger
Implementation Method 4
the retaining ring is contracted due to its own elasticity, moved backward along the slopes of the expansion portion first sections
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a device for installing a retaining ring on a shaft which can reduce the labor intensity of workers. The device for installing a retaining ring on a shaft comprises an expansion assembly. The expansion assembly includes a shell. A push block is movably fixed in the shell. Two expansion members that are symmetrical left and right are arranged in front of the push block. The expansion members include expansion portions that are located outside the shell and extend outward. Rear ends of the expansion portions are expansion portion first sections. The expansion members comprise a left expansion member on the left side and a right expansion member on the right side. The left end face of the expansion portion first section of the left expansion member is a slope extending leftward from rear to front. The push plate moves in a front-rear direction so that the expansion portions of the two expansion members move left and right, respectively. A loading rod is fixed on the lower side of the shell. A front edge of a front portion of the loading rod extends outward in a circumferential direction to form a limiting bump. A compression spring is sheathed on a rear portion of the loading rod. A front end face of the loading rod is recessed inward to form an evading groove.