Split Retaining Ring Axial Locking for Coaxial Shafts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for axially retaining coaxial shaft components in gas turbine engine transmission systems are costly, heavy, and difficult to disassemble, lacking a simple and lightweight solution for aerospace applications.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing an inner and outer shaft with annular grooves and a split retaining ring that compresses radially to axially engage and expand radially to lock the components together, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, featuring an annular compression groove, annular engagement groove, and a split retaining ring with outwardly extending ears.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bolted joints or threaded connections are used to retain coaxial shaft components, then axial retention reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial retention reliabilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining ring is segmented into a circular cross-section with a radial split, allowing it to be compressed radially for easy installation and expansion for secure retention. This segmentation enables the ring to be installed without complex tools while maintaining high axial retention reliability through its expanded locked position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring transitions between two dynamic states: a compressed state for installation/removal and an expanded state for retention. This dynamic behavior allows the same component to facilitate both easy assembly and secure axial retention, eliminating the need for complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If traditional clamping mechanisms are used to prevent axial movement, then retention strength is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention strengthVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining ring operates in the radial dimension (compressing and expanding radially) to achieve axial retention. By applying force in one dimension (radial compression), the component achieves its function in another dimension (axial retention), enabling simple assembly while maintaining strong retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring changes its radial dimension parameter by being compressed to a smaller radial size for installation and then expanding to a larger radial size for retention. This parameter change enables the ring to transition between an installable state and a retention state, simplifying assembly while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If heavy-duty connection systems are used to lock shafts axially, then retention reliability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial retention reliabilityVSAvoidconnection system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of axial retention from complex heavy-duty connection systems and concentrates it into a single lightweight retaining ring. By removing unnecessary structural elements and focusing on the core retention function, the system achieves high reliability with minimal weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring is designed as a simple, lightweight component that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes weight reduction while maintaining reliability through the ring's effective design, accepting that the component may need replacement rather than designing for indefinite service life with heavy materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables simple and cost-effective axial locking of coaxial shafts, preventing relative axial movement while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing weight and complexity in aerospace applications.

Implementation Method 1

a split retaining ring adapted for movement between a radially compressed condition to facilitate axial engagement of the inner component within the outer component and a radially expanded condition to facilitate radial engagement of the split retaining ring in the annular engagement groove of the outer component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11226008B2System and method for axially retaining two coaxial shaft components

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A system for axially retaining two coaxial components includes an inner component having an annular compression groove formed in a radially outer surface thereof, an outer component having an annular engagement groove formed in a radially inner surface thereof, and a split retaining ring installed in the annular compression groove of the inner component, wherein the split retaining ring is adapted for movement between a radially compressed condition to facilitate axial engagement of the inner component within the outer component and a radially expanded condition to facilitate radial engagement of the split retaining ring in the annular engagement groove of the outer component, so that the inner and outer components are axially locked together.