Snap Ring With Offset Flared Ends For Assembly And Anti-Twist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snap rings with L-shaped cross sections face difficulties in assembly and security against twisting, particularly during the attachment and production processes.
Innovation Solution
The snap ring features at least one end section offset by bending in the radial plane with a notch in the bending area, allowing for adjustable flared end sections between 0° and 90°, which facilitates assembly and provides torsion-proof arrangements, and is made from hardened spring steel for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If snap rings with L-shaped cross section are used to support machine elements axially, then support capability is improved, but assembly difficulty and twisting security problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring is divided into distinct functional sections: an L-shaped cross-section providing axial support, and flared end sections providing assembly assistance and anti-twisting capability. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap ring incorporates asymmetric flared end sections that protrude radially outward at angles between 0° and 90° relative to the ring plane. This asymmetric design provides leverage points for assembly tools and creates mechanical interference to prevent twisting, while the main body maintains the symmetric L-shaped cross-section for axial support.
2Ease of operation
If flared end sections are added to improve assembly and anti-twisting, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flared end sections are integrally formed with the main ring body as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly components. The flared sections serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing leverage for assembly tools, preventing twisting during operation, and maintaining structural continuity with the support surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The flared end sections perform multiple functions: they act as engagement points for assembly tools, provide mechanical interference to prevent twisting, and maintain structural integrity with the ring body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components despite the increased geometric complexity.
3Strength
If the snap ring is made from hardened spring steel for stability, then strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The material is specified as hardened spring steel, which provides high elastic limit and strength. The hardening process increases the material's resistance to permanent deformation, allowing the flared end sections to maintain their geometric precision and elastic properties even after bending and during service loading.
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
This design enhances assembly options, ensures secure attachment, and allows for precise production with adjustable width, offering improved manufacturing and adaptation capabilities while providing stable support against axial forces.
Implementation Method 1
The snap ring 1 thus offers a collar-like supporting surface or an abutment in the axial direction with a high supporting force when appropriately fixed in the axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a snap ring which has a substantially radially directed ring section (2) with a support surface and a substantially axially directed ring section (3) with a lateral surface, the two ring sections forming an L-shaped cross-section, and a ring gap (4). For ease of use, at least one of the two end sections (30) that face each other in the ring gap is turned outward in the radial direction in relation to the rest of the ring profile by bending, and, in the bent region, the axial ring section has a notch (20).