Threaded Ring Securing Roller Bearing Outer Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary actuators for motor vehicle roll stabilization face issues with securing roller bearings, particularly due to the risk of retaining rings losing contact pressure and potentially escaping from their grooves, especially under wandering movements, which compromises the stability and security of the system.

Innovation Solution

The use of a threaded ring with an external thread to secure the outer ring of the roller bearing to the housing, allowing adjustable preload and additional securing means like hardening adhesive, combined with a lock nut for the inner ring, ensures constant contact pressure and prevents loosening, while maintaining minimal installation space and enabling easy tool access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a retaining ring is used to secure the outer ring of the rolling bearing, then the installation space is minimized, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to risk of slipping out and loss of constant contact force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional retaining ring (mechanical snap-fit system) with a threaded ring that uses screw threading mechanics. The threaded ring engages with threads in the housing and applies constant axial preload to the outer ring through friction and mechanical engagement, eliminating the risk of slipping out while maintaining compact installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical engagement parameter from a snap-fit retaining ring to a threaded connection with adjustable preload. The threaded ring allows for controlled application of axial force through threading geometry and torque control, providing constant contact force that can be precisely adjusted during assembly, thereby improving connection reliability without increasing installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a lock nut is used to secure the inner ring of the rolling bearing, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the same threaded ring design principle to both the inner ring and outer ring securing applications. The lock nut for the inner ring uses identical threading and locking mechanics as the threaded ring for the outer ring, creating a universal securing mechanism that reduces overall system complexity through standardization while maintaining high connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3634789B1Rotary actuator of a roll stabilization system for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP3634789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3634789B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3634789B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a rotary actuator of a roll stabilization system for a motor vehicle with an arrangement for securing a rolling bearing (3), having an inner ring (3a) and an outer ring (3b), in a housing (2) of the rotary actuator, wherein the inner ring (3a) is arranged on a gear output element (2) and is fixed axially by a first securing element (4), and the outer ring (3b) is arranged in the housing (2) and is fixed axially by a second securing element (5). It is proposed that the second securing element is in the form of a threaded ring (5) with an outer thread (5a), that an inner thread (2b) is arranged in the housing (2), and that the threaded ring (5) can be screwed into the inner thread (2b) of the housing (2) and can be braced against the outer ring (3b).