Steering Bearing Holding Ring With Groove-Free Elastic Fixing Tongues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding rings for rotary bearings in steering apparatuses require grooves on rotatable components for fixation, making installation complex and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A holding ring with radially inwardly projecting elastic fixing tongues that deform elastically to press against the outer surface of the rotatable component, providing axial preload without the need for grooves, and can be composed of spring steel for enhanced deformation force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a groove is used on the rotatable component for fixing the holding ring, then the holding ring can be securely fixed, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding ring is segmented into a ring body and multiple independent spring tongues. The spring tongues can be elastically deformed to engage with the rotatable component's outer surface without requiring a groove, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tongues are made of elastic material that can change their physical state through elastic deformation. By applying axial force during installation, the spring tongues deform to pass through the rotatable component and then rebound to create radial clamping force, securing the holding ring without grooves.
2Reliability
If a groove is used on the rotatable component for fixing the holding ring, then the holding ring can be securely fixed, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding ring is segmented into a ring body and multiple independent spring tongues. The spring tongues can be elastically deformed to engage with the rotatable component's outer surface without requiring a groove, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tongues are made of elastic material that can change their physical state through elastic deformation. By applying axial force during installation, the spring tongues deform to pass through the rotatable component and then rebound to create radial clamping force, securing the holding ring without grooves.
3Reliability
If a groove is used on the rotatable component for fixing the holding ring, then the holding ring can be securely fixed, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tongues are pre-deformed during manufacturing to have a smaller radial dimension than the final installed state. During installation, the holding ring is simply pushed onto the rotatable component, and the spring tongues automatically deform and rebound to secure the position, eliminating the need for groove cutting or complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tongues transition from a compressed elastic state during installation to an expanded clamping state after installation. This dynamic elastic deformation allows the holding ring to be easily installed by simple axial pushing, while automatically achieving secure radial fixation without requiring grooves.
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 holding ring achieves secure axial fixation of rotary bearings on rotatable components without grooves, simplifying installation and reducing production costs, while maintaining the same level of stability as traditional groove-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
the holding ring comprises at least one spring tongue which lies in an axial direction resiliently against the rotary bearing
Implementation Method 2
radially inwardly projecting elastic fixing tongues which, in the relaxed state, extend into the radial region of the rotatable component such that, when the holding ring is pushed onto the cylindrical outer surface of the rotatable component, said fixing tongues are deflected elastically in an axial direction opposite to the pushing-on direction and lie with a radial preload force against the outer surface of the rotatable component
Data Source
AI summary
A holding ring for the axial fixing of a rotary bearing of a steering apparatus for motor vehicles on a rotatable component with a cylindrical outer surface onto which an inner bearing shell of the rotary bearing is mounted, wherein the holding ring includes at least one spring tongue which lies in an axial direction resiliently against the inner bearing shell, is improved with regard to a simple design and assembly process in that the holding ring comprises radially inwardly projecting elastic fixing tongues which, in the relaxed state, extend into the radial region of the rotatable component such that, when the holding ring is pushed onto the cylindrical outer surface of the rotatable component, the fixing tongues are deflected elastically in an axial direction opposite to the pushing-on direction and lie with a radial preload force against the outer surface of the rotatable component.