Segmented Retainer Clip for Axial Shaft Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clips used in automotive drivelines often face challenges during installation due to size constraints, leading to potential damage or deformation when trying to accommodate the axial movement of shafts, as they are either too narrow to clear raised portions in the bore or become weakened upon expansion.
Innovation Solution
A clip with a varying width configuration, including control zones and intermediate zones, that is elastically deformable to accommodate the raised portions without yielding, allowing for secure axial restriction of shafts while maintaining the ability to rotate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional clip is used to restrict axial movement of shafts, then the axial movement is restricted, but the clip becomes damaged or deformed during installation due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into multiple width zones (first width zone, second width zone, third width zone) with different widths, allowing different sections to perform different functions. The narrower sections allow the clip to clear raised portions during installation, while wider sections provide structural integrity and engagement surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the clip have different width characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first width zone has a greater width for structural support, the second width zone has a reduced width for navigating obstacles during installation, and the third width zone has intermediate width for balanced performance.
2Ease of operation
If the clip is made narrower to clear raised portions in the bore during assembly, then installation is easier, but the clip becomes weakened and may yield
Solution Approach 1:
The clip structure is segmented into zones with different width characteristics, allowing the clip to have narrow sections for easy assembly while maintaining strong sections for structural integrity. The first width zone provides strength, the second width zone enables easy passage over raised portions, and the third width zone provides balanced characteristics.
3Strength
If the clip width is increased to maintain strength, then the clip can resist deformation, but it cannot clear raised portions in the bore during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The clip employs local quality variations with different width zones optimized for their specific functions. The first width zone has greater width for strength and structural support, while the second width zone has reduced width specifically for clearing raised portions during assembly, and the third width zone provides intermediate characteristics.
4Reliability
If a rigid coupler is used to constrain shafts, then axial movement is restricted, but it cannot accommodate packaging constraints and may be damaged during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clip's width parameter is varied along its length to create zones with different dimensions. This parameter variation allows the clip to be flexible enough to clear raised portions during installation while maintaining the rigidity needed to restrict axial movement of the shafts when installed.
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 clip effectively restricts axial movement of shafts without impeding rotation and can be assembled without causing damage, addressing the limitations of conventional clips by allowing for expansion to fit over raised bore features without deformation.
Implementation Method 1
The clip may be elastically deformable and have an open end with an opening and a closed end opposite the open end. When the clip is assembled with the inner and outer shaft, respective portions of the clip are seated within the groove of the inner shaft and engage the axially-facing surface of the outer shaft, and the clip is operative to restrict axial movement of at least one of the inner or outer shafts relative to each other, and the clip is configured to be elastically deformed to pass over the raised portion in the bore during the assembly of the clip with the inner and outer shafts without yielding.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a clip for restricting the axial movement of at least one of an inner shaft or an outer shaft relative to the other shaft includes a first free end, a second free end, an opening defining an open end of the clip between the first free end and the second free end, a closed end opposite the open end, at least three control zones, and a plurality of intermediate zones. Each intermediate zone has a varying width and each is disposed adjacent to at least one of the at least three control zones.