Retaining Ring Mounting on Electric Starter Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting a retaining ring on a rotating electric starter shaft require lengthening the shaft, which increases its longitudinal size and complicates the insertion process, especially when radial access to the positioning groove is limited.
Innovation Solution
The retaining ring is first mounted on an axial segment of the shaft between the groove and the splines, and then the starter drive assembly is moved axially to push the ring into the positioning groove, allowing radial insertion in a service area without radial access, thereby reducing the shaft's longitudinal size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retaining ring is mounted directly into the positioning groove on the shaft, then the mounting position is secure, but radial access to the groove is limited making insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is preliminarily mounted on an axial segment of the shaft that is accessible from the radial direction, before being moved to its final position in the positioning groove. This preliminary mounting action allows easy radial insertion while ensuring secure final positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial segment of the shaft acts as an intermediary location between the accessible radial mounting area and the final positioning groove. The retaining ring is temporarily positioned on this intermediate segment, allowing radial access for insertion, before being transferred to the final groove position.
2Ease of operation
If the shaft is lengthened to provide access to the positioning groove, then radial insertion of the retaining ring is easier, but the longitudinal size of the shaft increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the shaft in the longitudinal dimension to provide access, the solution utilizes the axial dimension of the existing shaft to create an accessible segment. The retaining ring is mounted radially on an axial segment that is already present, avoiding any increase in shaft length while still providing easy insertion access.
3Ease of manufacture
If the retaining ring is inserted radially in a service area with radial access, then the mounting process is simplified, but the positioning groove cannot be accessed radially
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is preliminarily mounted in a service area with radial access where the mounting process is simple and straightforward. After this preliminary radial insertion, the ring is then moved axially to its final position in the positioning groove, combining the benefits of easy radial insertion with secure final positioning.
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
This method facilitates the insertion of the retaining ring without increasing the shaft's length, simplifying the mounting process and reducing the overall size of the starter drive assembly.
Implementation Method 1
said first rear stop being formed by said elastic retaining ring inserted into an annular positioning groove of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of mounting a retaining ring (21) on a rotating electric armature shaft. The inventive method consists in first mounting the retaining ring (21) on an axial shaft segment (27) which is located in an accessible mounting area between the groove (23) and the splines (15) of the starter drive assembly (10) and, subsequently, moving the starter drive assembly (10) axially towards the rest position such as to move the retaining ring (21) along the aforementioned shaft segment (27) as far as the positioning groove (23) comprising a service area with no radial access.