Self-Locking Snap Ring Assembly for Reliable Shaft Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snap rings require additional components, such as springs, to maintain the position of retained components on a shaft, occupying space and potentially leading to assembly failures.

Innovation Solution

A snap ring with an annular body featuring a circumferential slit and elastic deformation capabilities, allowing it to be self-locking and biasing without additional components by being configured to fit within a mating groove and apply a force aligned with the groove's geometric line, thus retaining components in a fixed position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional components (such as springs) are used to maintain the position of retained components on a shaft, then the reliability of the assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases and the volume occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the snap ring and the biasing member into a single integrated component. The snap ring includes an annular body with a circumferential slit that allows it to function both as a retaining barrier and as a self-biasing element, eliminating the need for separate springs or biasing members while maintaining assembly reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap ring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical barrier to retain components, provides elastic biasing force through its circumferential slit, and maintains positioning without additional components. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while preserving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional components (such as springs) are used to maintain the position of retained components on a shaft, then the reliability of the assembly is improved, but the volume occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly reliabilityVSAvoidassembly volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the biasing function into the snap ring structure itself through the circumferential slit, the patent eliminates the need for separate biasing members that would occupy additional space, thereby reducing overall assembly volume while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circumferential slit creates a flexible, elastic structure within the snap ring that provides biasing force without requiring bulky components. This flexible design achieves the same reliability function with significantly reduced volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If a snap ring is inserted into a mating groove to retain a component, then the component position is maintained, but additional components are required to maintain the snap ring position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent position stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The snap ring is designed to be self-retaining within the mating groove through its elastic deformation capabilities. The circumferential slit allows the ring to flex and lock into the groove without requiring additional retaining components, while simultaneously providing the biasing force needed to maintain component position stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 snap ring effectively secures components without additional parts, providing a self-locking mechanism that maintains the component's position, reducing the risk of assembly failures and optimizing space usage.

Implementation Method 1

The annular body is configured for elastic deformation in a radial direction thereof by decreasing a first dimension between the first end and the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

elastic deformation in an axial direction by decreasing a second dimension between the first circumferential edge and the second circumferential edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11982302B1Snap rings, assemblies, and methods for retaining components on a shaft

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Snap rings, assemblies, and methods are provided for retaining a component on a shaft. The snap ring includes an annular body defining an opening through a center thereof, defining an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface, having a first end and a second end spaced apart from each other to define a gap therebetween, and having a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge spaced apart from each other to define a circumferential opening slit extending from the first end to the second end. The snap ring is configured to be received within a continuous, circumferential mating groove formed in an exterior surface of the shaft, and to retain the component in a fixed position when the component is located on the shaft and the snap ring is located in the mating groove.