Segmented Shaft Securing Ring With Snap Latch for High Axial Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing elements, such as Seeger rings and shaft circlips, face issues with repeated deformation under extreme loads, potential detachment from shafts or bores, and reduced axial load capacity due to elastic deformation and assembly-related plastic deformation, leading to unreliable axial fixation.
Innovation Solution
A securing element comprising two semicircular disk sector elements with latching structures, including tongue and groove profiles that form a snap connection, allowing for captive connection without expanding beyond their defined radius, ensuring stable axial blocking and secure assembly without sagging or deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional elastic retaining rings (Seeger rings, shaft circlips) are used for axial securing, then ease of assembly is improved due to their ability to be opened and mounted on shafts, but reliability deteriorates because they undergo repeated unwanted deformation under extreme axial loads and may jump off the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is divided into two separate sector elements that can be independently mounted on the shaft and then joined together through latching structures. This segmentation allows each element to be installed separately without requiring the entire ring to be opened and closed, reducing deformation while maintaining assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The sector elements are pre-formed with latching structures (latching lugs and latching grooves) that enable captive connection before final assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the elements to be mounted in a relaxed state and then locked together, avoiding the need to deform the entire ring during assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retaining rings are opened and closed during assembly to fit on shafts, then adaptability is improved for different installation scenarios, but strength deteriorates due to plastic deformation that reduces axial load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the ring into two sector elements with latching structures, the invention eliminates the need to open and close the entire ring during assembly. Each sector element can be independently positioned and then joined, avoiding plastic deformation while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching structures are pre-formed on the sector elements before assembly. This allows the elements to be mounted in their optimal position and then locked together without requiring deformation, preserving both strength and adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If sector elements are joined by deforming their outer circumference to create latching connections, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the relative position becomes undetermined due to sagging during multiple uses
Solution Approach 1:
The latching structures (latching lugs and latching grooves) are pre-formed on the sector elements during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the relative position of the sector elements is determined and fixed, preventing sagging and position uncertainty during multiple uses while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 solution provides a robust, reliable axial securing mechanism that maintains stability under high axial and radial forces, preventing accidental detachment and ensuring high axial load capacity without material deformation, suitable for use in tight spaces and limited accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The second sector element has on one side a groove and on the other side a spring arm which, in use, are designed to engage with one another in a snap connection
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a securing element (1) for axially securing a shaft (17) or a component on a shaft (17), comprising at least two sector elements (2, 3) which can be joined together in order to form a closed annular shape with a central passage opening (4) for the shaft (17), wherein each of the sector elements (2, 3) has latching structures (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) or snap-fitting structures, by means of which the latching structures can be connected together, in particular in a captive manner, and the latching structures (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) comprise a groove-like depression (8a, 8b), which is introduced into a first sector element (2) and comprises a first latching hook (10a, 10b), and a spring arm (7a, 7b), which is arranged on a second sector element (3) and engages into the depression (8a, 8b) in the first sector element (3) and which comprises a second latching hook (9a, 9b).