Split Spring Retaining Ring for Stable Rotor Carrier Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor assemblies in electric motors face challenges in providing effective clamping and retention of rotor components, particularly due to the limitations of conventional spring designs which may not adequately secure the rotor carrier flange.
Innovation Solution
A split spring design with an annular portion and tapered portion featuring radially inwardly extending tabs and radial slots, allowing for flexible insertion and secure clamping of the rotor carrier flange against a castellated portion, enhancing the retention mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional retaining ring is used to clamp the rotor carrier flange, then the structure is simple, but the clamping force is insufficient leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retaining ring and spring into a single integrated component. The split spring retaining ring merges the clamping function of a spring with the retaining function of a traditional retaining ring, eliminating the need for separate components while providing sufficient clamping force to prevent instability and mechanical failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The split spring retaining ring utilizes material elasticity and spring characteristics to dynamically adjust clamping force. The spring material and geometry are designed to maintain optimal clamping pressure under varying operational conditions, ensuring reliable securing of the rotor carrier flange without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If the rotor carrier flange is loosely secured, then the device complexity is reduced, but mechanical failures occur due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated split spring retaining ring combines multiple functions into one component: retention, clamping, and dynamic adjustment. This merger provides robust mechanical stability while avoiding the complexity of separate retaining rings, springs, and adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The split spring retaining ring is designed to self-adjust and self-maintain clamping force on the rotor carrier flange. The spring characteristics automatically compensate for wear, thermal expansion, and load variations, ensuring continuous mechanical stability without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.
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 split spring design provides improved clamping and retention of rotor components, ensuring stability and durability while allowing for ease of assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a split spring disposed in the groove and arranged to clamp the rotor carrier flange against the castellated portion
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor assembly includes a rotor for an electric motor, a rotor carrier non-rotatably connected to the rotor, a rotor carrier flange, and a split spring. The rotor carrier includes a groove and a castellated portion and the split spring is disposed in the groove and arranged to clamp the rotor carrier flange against the castellated portion. The split spring may include an annular portion disposed in the groove and a tapered portion extending radially inwards from the annular portion. The split spring may also include a cut portion separating opposite circumferential ends of the annular portion.