Rotatable Retaining Ring Lock Nut for Fixed Wheel End Preload

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock nut systems require additional rotation to lock the nut into position, which can alter the torque or preload on wheel end assemblies, leading to undesirable changes in the assembly's settings.

Innovation Solution

A lock nut system with a rotatably alignable retaining ring that allows the retaining ring to move in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, enabling the nut to be locked into position without additional rotation of the nut, thus maintaining the specified torque or preload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the nut is locked into position by a retaining member with fixed alignment, then the locking function is achieved, but additional rotation of the nut is required which changes the torque or preload on the wheel end assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidtorque or preload specification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining ring is designed with rotatable alignment capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its angular position relative to the nut teeth. The protrusion can rotate within the recess to accommodate different nut positions, enabling the locking teeth to engage with nut teeth without requiring additional rotation of the nut itself, thus maintaining the specified torque or preload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the retaining member teeth are fixed relative to the protrusion, then the structure is simple, but the teeth cannot align with nut teeth without additional nut rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretaining member structureVSAvoidalignment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining ring incorporates a rotatable protrusion that can rotate within the recess of the shaft. This dynamic feature allows the locking teeth to be positioned at different angular orientations relative to the protrusion, enabling alignment with nut teeth without requiring additional rotation of the nut, thus simplifying the operation while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the protrusion is tightly fitted in the recess, then the retaining member is securely positioned, but rotation of the retaining member is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretaining member positioningVSAvoidrotational adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is designed with specific dimensional tolerances that provide a balance between secure positioning and rotational freedom. The recess dimensions allow the protrusion to be tightly fitted for secure positioning while still permitting limited rotation to accommodate alignment variations, thus achieving both strong positioning and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10968945B2Lock nut with rotatably alignable retaining ring

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORP

AI summary

A lock nut system includes a nut having a retaining member which includes locking teeth configured to engage with the lock nut teeth. The retaining member is rotatable in both a clockwise or counterclockwise direction a preselected distance to allow the locking teeth to mesh with the nut teeth so the lock nut can be locked into position on the shaft without further rotation or other adjustment of the nut.