Retaining Wave Spring Integrating Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applications require separate components for retaining functions and shock absorption, leading to increased component count and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A retaining wave spring that combines a first open-loop with a substantially planar wall and a second open-loop with curved portions, providing both retaining and spring functions in a single component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate retaining ring and wave spring components are used, then each component can perform its specific function effectively, but the component count increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining ring and wave spring into a single integrated component called a 'retaining wave spring.' This unified component combines the retaining function (providing a retaining wall) with the spring function (absorbing shock and maintaining force), thereby reducing component count while maintaining the functional performance of both separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wave spring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides retaining functionality through its retaining wall structure and spring functionality through its wave-shaped configuration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate retaining ring and wave spring components, reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Device complexity
If a retaining ring is used alone, then the structure is simple, but it cannot absorb shock or maintain constant force
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining wave spring combines the simple retaining ring structure with wave spring characteristics, integrating both retaining and shock absorption functions into a single component. This merger maintains structural simplicity while adding the necessary shock absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wave spring is designed to perform multiple functions: providing a retaining wall for mechanical retention and simultaneously absorbing shock through its wave-shaped structure. This multi-functionality ensures that a single component can replace both a retaining ring and a wave spring, maintaining simplicity while enhancing performance.
3Reliability
If a wave spring is used alone, then shock absorption is provided, but it lacks the retaining wall function
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining wave spring merges the wave spring's shock absorption capability with the retaining ring's wall function into a single integrated component. This combination ensures that the component provides both shock absorption and retaining functionality, making it functionally complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wave spring is designed to simultaneously provide shock absorption through its wave-shaped structure and retaining functionality through its retaining wall. This multi-functional design ensures that a single component can replace both a wave spring and a retaining ring, achieving functional completeness.
4Reliability
If two separate components (retaining ring and wave spring) are manufactured, then each can be optimized independently, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining ring and wave spring into a single retaining wave spring component, reducing the number of manufacturing operations, material handling steps, and assembly processes. This integration lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining the optimized functional characteristics of both original components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wave spring is designed as a multi-functional component that combines retaining and spring functions, allowing for a single manufacturing process instead of producing two separate components. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the optimized performance of both functions.
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
Reduces component count and manufacturing costs by integrating the functions of a retaining ring and a wave spring, maintaining a constant force and minimizing shock effects.
Implementation Method 1
The second open-loop has a wall having curved portions... maintaining a force between components... absorbing shock
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining wave spring includes a first open-loop that has a wall that is substantially planar. The retaining wave spring also includes a second open-loop continuing from an end portion of the first open-loop. The second open-loop has a wall having curved portions. An outer diameter of the first open-loop and an outer diameter of the second open-loop have different sizes.