Segmented Retaining Ring for High-Force Snap Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety rings used to secure electronic components have low holding force, are difficult to snap open, and can affect the aesthetic appearance of assemblies, while plastic clips or snappers may break over time, compromising secure fastening.
Innovation Solution
A safety ring design featuring a ring body with radial spreading slots and protrusions that allow for easy snapping and secure attachment, providing a high holding force without deformation, and an electronic component housing with a radial groove and sealing element for secure and aesthetically pleasing integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional retaining rings are used to secure electronic components, then the components can be axially secured, but the holding force is low and they are difficult to snap onto small grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is divided into multiple retaining projections distributed around its circumference. Each projection can be independently spread, allowing the ring to be opened progressively rather than requiring simultaneous deformation of the entire ring. This segmentation makes it easier to snap onto small grooves while maintaining high holding force through the distributed projections.
2Reliability
If conventional retaining rings are used, then components can be secured, but they are visible from the outside and impair aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed to be received within a radial groove of the housing, with the ring body extending radially inward and the retaining projections engaging with the groove walls. This nesting arrangement conceals the retaining ring within the housing structure, making it invisible from the outside while maintaining secure fastening through the engaging projections.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic clips or snappers are used to attach components, then attachment is simple, but they break easily and become brittle over time
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is made of metal material with appropriate mechanical properties, changing the material parameter from plastic to metal. This provides both ease of attachment through the spreading mechanism and long-term durability by eliminating the brittleness and breaking issues associated with plastic materials.
4Force
If the retaining ring is made robust to provide high holding force, then secure fastening is achieved, but it becomes difficult to spread open
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is divided into multiple retaining projections that can be spread independently. This segmentation allows the robust ring structure to be opened progressively by applying force to individual projections or small groups, making it easier to install while maintaining the high holding force provided by the overall robust structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Expansion slots are provided in the retaining projections to pre-define deformation paths and reduce resistance during the spreading operation. These slots allow the material to yield in controlled directions, reducing the force required to spread the robust ring while maintaining its structural integrity and holding capability.
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 safety ring offers a simple, secure, and aesthetically appealing solution for attaching electronic components with a high holding force and reduced risk of deformation, while the housing design ensures reliable and water-tight attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining ring is easy to spread open and to snap onto the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a retaining ring (1) extending substantially in a plane (E), comprising an annular body (2) extending around a central axis (X) between two ends (4, 5) defining an annular slot (3), and several retaining projections (7) extending from the annular body (2) distributed over its circumference and radially towards the central axis (X) in the plane (E), wherein at least one of the retaining projections (7) has at least one axially expanding slot (9) open towards the central axis (X). The present invention further relates to an electronic component (10) with a housing (11) and the retaining ring (1) according to the invention. The present invention further relates to an assembly (40) with an assembly housing (41) and the electronic component (10) according to the invention.