Tapered Retaining Ring for CVJ Assembly Flexure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining ring designs for fixed center constant velocity joints face challenges such as difficult assembly, increased assembly effort, and inability to disassemble after assembly, often requiring modifications to axle shafts.
Innovation Solution
A retaining ring with an annular, C-shaped retainer body that tapers inwardly and features axially extending annular ribs and relief features, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly by providing radial flexure and snap-fit interlocking with the shaft, while maintaining torsional rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional retaining ring designs are used, then the driven shaft can be retained, but assembly becomes difficult and unpredictable requiring increased assembly effort
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring incorporates a tapered portion that changes the geometric parameters of the ring body, allowing it to flex radially during assembly. This parameter change enables the ring to expand and contract, facilitating easy installation and removal while maintaining secure retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure through the tapered portion. The ring can dynamically adjust its radial dimensions during assembly and disassembly, then maintain its retention function during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and retention security.
2Ease of operation
If traditional retaining ring designs are used, then the driven shaft can be retained, but the retaining ring cannot be disassembled after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered portion enables parameter changes in the ring's radial dimensions. During disassembly, the ring can be flexed radially to expand beyond the shaft diameter, allowing removal. During operation, the ring maintains its original dimensions for secure retention, thus enabling both disassembly and reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring is effectively segmented into functional zones: the tapered portion that enables flexibility and the annular rib that provides structural support. This segmentation allows different parts of the ring to perform different functions - the tapered portion enables disassembly while the rib maintains retention security.
3Ease of operation
If the retaining ring is made flexible for easy assembly, then assembly becomes easier, but torsional rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring applies local quality by concentrating flexibility in the tapered portion while maintaining rigidity in the annular rib and majority of the ring body. This localized flexibility allows easy assembly while the structurally sound portions maintain the necessary torsional rigidity for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring is segmented into flexible and rigid zones. The tapered portion provides localized flexibility for assembly operations, while the annular rib and main body maintain structural integrity and torsional rigidity, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
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 retaining ring facilitates efficient and predictable assembly of the constant velocity joint, ensuring secure attachment and easy disassembly of the driven shaft, reducing the risk of dislodgment and improving assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer body tapering inwardly toward the longitudinal axis from a first end opening and a first end to a second end opening and a second end
Implementation Method 2
a relief feature formed on the second end of the first retainer leg and a relief feature formed on the second end of the second leg
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining ring for a constant velocity joint includes an annular, C-shaped retainer body that tapers inwardly toward the longitudinal axis from a first end opening and a first end to a second end opening and a second end, the retainer body comprising a first retainer leg and an opposed second retainer leg, the first retainer leg and the second retainer leg joined together on a proximal end and separated on respective distal ends by a gap. It also includes an axially extending annular rib disposed on the first end of the retainer body. It further includes a relief feature formed on the second end of the first retainer leg and a relief feature formed on the second end of the second leg, the relief feature on the first retainer leg and the relief feature on the second retainer leg disposed closer to the proximal end than the distal ends.