MACHINE DEVICES and COMPONENTS

I L L U S T R A T E D S O U R C E B O O K

SECTION 18

RETAINING
RINGS
Compas rions of Retan in
ig Rn igs Versus Typcial Fasteners 18-2
Retan
inig Rn igs Adi Assembyl, I 18-4
Retan
inig Rn igs Adi Assembyl, Il 18-6
Coupnilg Shafts wtih Retan in
ig Rn igs 18-8
The Versate li Retan
in
ig Rn ig 18-12
The Mup tile
l-Purpose Retaninig Rnig 18-16
More Work for Round Retan in
ig Rn igs 18-18
Defe
lcto
ins of Perpendc iua
lry
l Loaded Split Cricua
lr Rnigs 18-20
m
I prove Desg in wtih Retanin
ig Rnigs 18-22
C o m p a r i s o n s o f R e t a i n i n g R i n g s

V e r s u s T y p i c a l F a s t e n e r s
A variety of basic applications show how these rings simplify design and cut costs.
Howard Roberts

Collar- width of
material saved

Broken lines here and

on other dm wings
show how much metal
is scrapped by machining,
or saved by using
spring ring. .

MACHINED SHOULDERS are replaced

with savings in material, tools and time.
Grooving for ring can be done during a
cut-off, or other machining operation.

RINGS THAT CAN REPLACE cotter pin WHEN COLLAR AND SETSCREW are sub-
and washer are economical since only one stituted by ring, risk of screw vibrating loose
part is required and pin-spreading operation is avoided. Also, no damage to shaft by screw
is not needed thus cutting time and costs^ point occurs a frequent cause of trouble.
RETAIN COMPONENTS on diecastings with SHOULDER AND NUT are replaced by two
a simple-to-use grip ring. Slipped over the retaining rings. A flat ring replaces the shoul-
end of the shaft, the ring exerts a frictional der, while a bowed ring holds the component
hold against axial displacement of the shaft. on shaft for resilient end-play take-up.

COVER-PLATE ASSEMBLY has been re- THREADED INTERNAL FASTENERS are

designed (lower drawing) to avoid use of costly because of expensive internal thread-
screws and machined cover-plate. Much thin- ing operation. Simplify by substituting a self-
ner wall can be usedno drilling or tapping. locking retaining ringsee lower drawing.

HEAT-FORMED STUD provides a shoulder

against retained parts but must be scrapped
if the parts must be disassembled for serv-
ice. Self-locking ring can be easily removed.
R e t a i n i n g R i n g s A i d A s s e m b l y , I

By functioning as both a shoulder and as a locking device, these versatile fasteners

reduce machining and the number and complexity of parts in an assembly.
Robert O. Parmley

WorkN

Locator pin

Jig frame

Adjustment^ Internal self-

direction locking ring
Internal self-locking ring supports a
locator. Elevation of the pin may be
altered in the entry direction only; the
pin won't push down into the frame
Connecting rod Retaining ring
retainer

Two part ring

2-pchousing

Slow-moving piston of hydraulic motor is assembled to the crank throw by two

retainers. These are held in place by two retaining rings that fit into
grooves in the crankthrow

Bearing
Two-piece interlocking retaining ring
serves to hold a two-piece assembly on
a rotating shaft, and is more simple
than a threaded cap, a couple of
capscrews or other means of assembly

Courtesy: American Machinist: Published by Penton Media, Inc.

 Free ring

Groove detail
Roller

Roller axle

Bowed locking- Reinforced

prong ring E- ring
Snug assembly of side members to
a casting with cored hole is secured
with two rings: 1spring-like ring has
high thrust capacity, eliminates springs,
Heavy-duty bow washers, etc; 2reinforced E-ring
Two types of rings may be used on one assembly. Here permanent-shoulder rings acts as a retaining shoulder or head.
provide a uniform axle step for each roller, without spotwelding or the like. Each ring can be dismantled with a
Heavy-duty rings keep the rollers in place screwdriver

Triangular nut
Reinforced circular Tapered -section Triangular Triangular retaining nut eliminates the
self-locking self-locking self-locking need for tapping mounting holes and
using a large nut and washer. Secure
mounting of small motors and devices
can be obtained in this manner

These three examples show seJf-locking retaining rings used as adjustable

stops on support members (pins made to commercial tolerances): Aexternal
ring provides positive grip, and arched rim adds strength; Bring is
adjustable in both directions, but frictional resistance is considerable,
and Ctriangular ring with dished body and three prongs will resist extreme
thrust. Both A and C have one-direction adjustment only
R e t a i n i n g R i n g s A i d A s s e m b l y , I l

Here are eight thought-provoking uses for retaining rings.

Robert O. Parmley

Adjustment:
up only

Retaining
Heavy duty ring
ring

Support rod
Retaining ring-

Hanger
Lever

Axial pin for lever is secured with a heavy- Hook

duty ring, making a neat, strong assembly

Free ring Ring offer assembly

Pin

Hanger hook is held a t desired height by

Detail a self-locking external ring. A multitude of
of adjustments can be made without trouble
groove

Retaining ring-

Belt

Ring Housing

Sleeve or
valve ball
Bail seat
Retaining ring
Shaft
Coil spring
Belt alignment is assured by using permanent
shoulder retaining rings. The rings are crimped
into the shaft grooves for a permanent, clean, A sleeve or ball seat valve is safely retained
and inexpensive flange. A retainer ring of by a ring that acts like a wedge in the outer
this type has a high capacity for thrust loads groove. Rigid end-play take-up is provided

Courtesy: American Machinist: Published by Penton Media, Inc.

Plastic tubing

Housing-

Vacuum Retaining ring

on Key.
Plastic ball
Ring, Housing

Housing
illustrated
transparent to
reveal internal
design

Retaining ring Shaft

Tamper-proof lock for a shaft in a

housing provides location of the
shaft and at the same time retains
the key. Heavy axial loading and
Vacuum released permanent retention of the key are
Internal self-locking ring supports the plastic ball valve double values in this application
when the vacuum is released, thus providing a support
during the "off" cycle. Air or liquid is released when ball
is at rest and exits through the areas between the grip
points of the ring, which is adjustable at entry position Ring half

Observation
lid

Stem

Tube
Weight disc
Ring

Ring groove
Rubber stopper
with internal
threaded sleeve
Ring half
Drain hole Observation lid on tubing makes it
possible to inspect wiring at will.
The two-part balanced retainer ring
has identical semicircular halves,
which are held together by the
Triangular retainer nut positions and unifies components of interlocking prongs at the free ends
the tank drain assembly. The triangular nut eliminates the
need for a large standard nut and lockwasher or spring-
type component and simplifies the design
C o u p l i n g S h a f t s w i t h R e t a i n i n g R i n g s
These simple fasteners can provide an original way around certain design snags.
For example, here are eight ways they're used to solve shaft-coupling problems.
Robert O. Parmley

Sleeve
Pin, Sleeve, and Ring

Pre-assembly position

Ring groove

Press fit pin

This inexpensive connection is

for light torques and moderate
loads where accurate positioning
is not required. A heavy-duty ring
is used to resist high-impact and
thrust loads.

SSeeve, Key, and Ring Crimping the retaining ring into

the groove produces a permanent,
Key Retaining ring simple, and clean connection. This
Shaft
method is used to avoid machining
shoulders in expensive materials,
and to permit use of smaller-diam-
eter shafts. When the ring is com-
pressed into a V-shaped groove on
the shaft, the notches permanently
deform into small triangles, caus-
ing a reduction of the inner and
Sleeve Ring groove outer diameters of the ring. Thus,
Retaining ring the fastener tightly grips the
groove, and provides a 360-deg
shoulder around the shaft. Good
torsional strength and high thrust-
Crimped afier load capacity is provided by this
assembly connection.

Courtesy: Machine Design: Published by Penton Media, Inc.

Two-Shaft Splice

Retaining ring Shaft half

Blade half

Retaining ring

A balanced two-part ring provides an attractive appearance in addition to with-

standing high rotational speeds and heavy thrust loads, a. The one-piece ring, b,
secures the shafts in a high-torque capacity design.

End-Range Connection

Heavy-duty
Connection pin retaining ring

Shaft

Set screw

Flange

This assembly for heavy-duty service requires minimum machining. Ring thickness
should be substantial, and extra ring-section height is desirable,
 C o l l a r , Rings, a n d T h r e a d e d S h a f t

a Collar Shaft

Adjustment
Tapered-section,
self-locking ring

b Shaft

Ring-groove
clearance
Equals ring-groove clearance
for assembly

For a connection that requires axial shaft adjustment, the self-locking ring requires
no groove, a. An alternate solution, b, uses an inverted-lug ring seated in an internal
groove. Extra ring-section height provides a good shoulder. The ring is uniformly
concentric with housing and shaft.

C o u p l e r a n d Ring Ring groove Shaft

Retaining ring

Coupling ha!f

Shaft

Coupling half
Retaining ring
H\t\q groove Couplings locked to shafts
with set screw and keys

Where attractive appearance is desired in a dependable locking device, this

connector and ring can be used.
 Slotted Sleeve with Tapered Threads

Retan
in
i g ring Sleeve Tapered threads Collar

Shaft Slot

Add flat washer for better contact

A slotted sieeve with tapered threads connects shafts which cannot be machined
Prongs on the retaining ring provide positive shaft gripping to stop collar movement
The arched rim adds extra strength.

Bossed Coupling and ijngs

Seam Coupling half

Shaft

Shaft

Retaining ring

An alternate solution for coupling unmachined shafts uses bossed coupling halves
with locking retaining rings.
T h e V e r s a t i l e R e t a i n i n g R i n g
A design roundup of some unusual applications of retaining rings.
Robert O. Parmley

SHAFT

GEAR

RETAINING RING

Fig 1 The assembly of a hubless gear and

threaded shaft may be accomplished by
using a "triangular nut retaining component
which eliminates the need for a Jarge stan-
dard nut and lock washer or other spring
type part. The dished body of the triangular
nut flattens under torque to lock the gear
to the shaft.

Excerpted from Assembly Engineering, February 1968 Business News Media, Troy, MI, USA
Xivery engineer is familiar with the
use of retaining rings in product as-
sembly. Applications for this type of
fastening device range from minia-
ture electronic assemblies to heavy
duty equipment. In spite of this wide-
spread use, many opportunities for
taking advantage of these versatile
fastening components often are over-
looked. However, when a value en-
gineering approach is taken and the
basic function of retaining rings as
easily assembled locating and locking
devices is kept clearly in mind it will
be found that these simple fasteners
can provide a unique solution to dif-
ficult assembly problems. SHAFT
This roundup of 8 unusual appli-
cations illustrates how different types
of retaining rings have been used to
simplify assembly and reduce manu- GEAR
facturing costs. The captions under
AAINJATURE HIGH-STRENGTH
the drawings give the details involved RETAINING RING
in each case.
The author wishes to acknowledge
with appreciation the cooperation he
received from the Truarc Retaining KEY
Rings Division of Waldes Kohinoor,
Inc. in developing these assembly
designs.

Fig 2 This heavy duty hubless gear and

shaft is designed for high torque and end
thrusts. The retaining ring seated in a square
groove and the key in slot provide a tamper-
proof lock. This design is recommended for
permanent assemblies in which the ring may
be subjected to heavy loads from either or
both axial directions. An angled groove can
be provided which has one wall cut at a
40 angle to the shaft axis. This will permit
the ring to be repnoved without damage.

Fig 3 Two different types of retaining rings

are used in this application involving a leaf
spring and shackle assembly. A locking-prong
retaining ring is bowed for tension while the
prongs act as fastening elements to secure
the pivot bolt. A flat or standard external
ring is used as a flange or bolt head.
FRAME

SHACKLE FLAT RETAINfNG RING

GROMME}

LEAF SPRING

RING GROOVES

LOCKING-PRONG RETAINING RING

 FLOAT

SEC, A-A

FLOAT ACTION

FLOAT GUlDEROD

Fig 4 The self-locking retaining rings used SELF-LOCKING

in this application provide stops for a float. RETAINING RING
The rings are adjustable on the guide rod and
yet the friction force produced by the heavy (ADJUSTABLE)
spring pressure makes axial displacement
from the light weight hollow float impossible.

FREE RING RING AFTER ASS*M.

Fig 5 Retaining rings provide a uniform cir-

cular shoulder for small diameter parts such
as the pipe nipple shown here. In this case
the retaining ring shoulder is used as a
stop for the plastic tube. The wall thickness
of the nipple should be at least three times
as thick as the depth of the groove. When
assembling the ring in the groove, the nipple
should be supported by inserting a mandrel GROOVE DETAIL
or rod.

PERMANENT-SHOULDER RETAINING RING

CONNECTION
NIPPLE

PLASTIC TUBING

MOISTURE JAR
 Fig 6 This internal retaining ring is a key part in the
assembly of a connecting rod and piston for a hy-
CONNECTING ROD draulic motor. The ring's lug holes make rapid assembly
and disassembly possible when the proper pliers are
used. The piston assembly in this case is slow moving
PISTON and is not subject to heavy cycle loading.

Fig 7 Internal self-locking rings can act as a support

carrier when the I.D. of a sleeve or housing cylinder
is too large to center and stabilize small rods or con-
duit. The rings are adjustable in the entry direction
only, however, and a sufficient number should be used
to secure the rod.

PISTON ASSVM.

PISTON

$ EC. "A-A"
RETAINING RING

ADJUSTMENT
DiRECTiON

CONNECTING. ROD

-HOUSING
CYCLINOER

FREE RlHG

(POD)

,KING
ROD
WASHERS
SLiDf STRAP CLAMP
I N T E R N A L .SELF-LOCKING
RETAINING RING

Fig 8 The heavy duty external retaining ring shown

here controls the elevation or position of a support
post in a holding clamp. This type of ring is ideal for
heavy duty applications where extreme loading condi-
tions are encountered. By adding washers under the
ring the elevation of the support post can be adjusted
as required.

HEAVY-DUTY RN
IG

ENLARGEMENT
T h e M u l t i p l e - P u r p o s e R e t a i n i n g R i n g
A roundup of ten unusual ways for putting retaining rings to work in assembly jobs.
Robert O. Parmley

Retaining Ring
Radius Arm Hub Offset
Retaining Ring
Retaining Ring
Panel Section
Insulation Cap
Contact Point

Shaft Hub

1 2
Centerline

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Retaining Ring

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Hose Hanger Piece of Wire
Slot
Hydraulic Hose Panel Stem and
Guide Rod
Rod or Wire Support
Retaining Ring Flat Washer
Wire Hook

Retaining RmR Tapered

Coil Spring
Movable Head

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Work Piece
Toe Clamp
Retaining Ring Retaining Ring
Retaining Ring
Plate Retaining
Ring

Stud
Load
Eye Rod
C
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lp F arme
5 Cable
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Pivot Pin

rngemen.t

Excerpted from Assembly Engineering, July 1966 Business News Media, Troy, MI, USA
 Post
Adjustment

Platform
Supported Plate Load
Retaining Retaining Ring
Ring

Alternate
Grooves

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Steel Pin
Adjustable
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M o r e W o r k f o r R o u n d R e t a i n i n g R i n g s
Try this low-cost fastener for locking shafts and other parts. It will also work as a shaft step
for bearings and an actuating ring for switches.
Dominic J. Lalera

Set screw

Piston-

Conicof wedge. Rod*

Unfocked position
Spring-fingered cage
Shaft

Ring,

Ring
Locked position

LOCK A SHAFT by forcing a retaining PISTON IS LOCKED in place on the rod

ring over the groove in the shaft. In lock- when drawn into place by means of a
ing position, the spring-fingered cage is setscrew. To remove, slide the piston
actuated by the conical wedge. away from the ring, then remove the ring.

Section A-A
Pipe
Ring Shaft step

-Ring
Wire is threaded Flange
into grooves Ring Pipe

A A;

FLANGE ASSEMBLY is permanently THIS SHAFT STEP for a rotating bear-

fastened by threading the wire into the ing is quickly and simply made by groov-
mating grooves through the flange. Mange ing the shaft to accept a spring ring.
can rotate if wire doesn't protrude. Countcrbore the shaft step to mate.
 Locking block.
Retainer plate' Cylinder wall

Ring*
Seal
'Ring

Cylinder head

THIS SPRING-HELD shaft lock is a ASSEMBLE CYLINDER HEADS and

basic application for retaining rings. The similar parts to thin walls by means of a
best groove dimensions for round spring retaining ring and a locking block. Tight-
rings are readily available from suppliers. ening the screws expands the ring.

Mate threaded wedge

Switch mounting-bar
Internal wedge-
Switch

Ring

Switch
plunger

Actuating ring-

SWITCH ACTUATORS of round retain- THREE-PIECE WEDGE lets the shaft

ing rings offer a simple solution when move freely until the wedge is tightened
permanent shaft steps would present by screwing it in. The round retaining
assembly problems. Close the ring gap. rirtg is then forced into the groove.
D e f l e c t i o n s o f P e r p e n d i c u l a r l y L o a d e d S p l i t

C i r c u l a r R i n g s
M. M. Lemcoe

FORMULAS FOR THE DEFLECTION of a split uniform circu- / is the polar moment of inertia of a cross-section, the
lar ring perpendicular to the plane of the ring are given formula is
for various positions of the load. Methods of developing
those formulas are demonstrated, (5)
In Fig. 1 is shown a split uniform circular ring of radius
R, loaded with a force P applied perpendicular to the plane The angle <f> equals the smaller of angles a or fi. Sub-
of the ring at the point B. At the point Q, the bending stituting Eqs ( 1 ) , ( 2 ) , ( 3 ) and ( 4 ) into Eq ( 5 ) gives:
moment M and the twisting moment T due to the load
P are respectively:
(D
(2)
Also, if there were a unit load at the point A, there From the trigonometric identities
would be at point Q a bending moment m and a twisting sin (a - B) sin (0 - 0) =* $ [cos (a - 0) cos (a + /9 - 20)]
moment / due to that unit load. These are given by the cos (a - 6) cos (/3 - 6) = \ [cos (a - 0) + cos (a + - 20)]
following formula The formula for A becomes:
(3)
(4)
From strain energy considerations, the deflection A of
the point A can be formulated. If E is the modulus of
elasticity and G is the shear modulus and if / is the moment
of inertia about the neutral axis of a cross-section, and

Fig. 1Split circular ring loaded by a force

perpendicular to the ring at point B. The
deflection A at point A is to be calculated.

(6)

Integrating Eq ( 6 ) gives

(7)

Frorri Eq ( 7 ) formulas can be developed for A for

various positions of points A and B.
Formulas for various positions of points A and B are
given below.
A = Deflection at Point A G= Shear Modulus
P = Load at Point B J = Cross-Section Polar Moment of Inertia
R = Radius of Ring I = Cross-Section Polar Moment of Inertia About Neutral Axis
E = Modulus of Elasticity
I m p r o v e D e s i g n w i t h R e t a i n i n g R i n g s

Waldes Kohinoor supplied the rings for the assembly illustrated here. Look at the
old design, look at the new design. What did retaining rings do? Well, by changing
the design to retaining rings these advantages are achieved:
1) Six beveled ringsone at each end of the three shaft boresreplace 24
hex-head bolts and eliminate drilling and tapping 24 holes in the cast housing.
2) Special gaskets needed to provide a proper seal between the end cap and
housing have been replaced by less expensive standard O-rings. Six facing opera-
tions on the outside of the casting, required for the gasket seals, have been elimi-
nated. (O-ring grooves are an integral part of the redesigned cover plates.)
3) Twelve external ringssix bowed, six flatsecure the inner races of the
bearings. The rings are assembled in grooves machined simultaneously with the
shaft cut-off and chamfering operations. They replace six threaded ring nuts and
six lock washers and eliminate 12 ground diameters, six threading operations and
six keyways on the shaft.
4) Six basic internal rings, installed in grooves machined in the housing, elimi-
nate six machined shoulders and the need for holding close axial tolerances on the
bearing bore and end cap.
Reusable following disassembly, the rings are assembled with special pliers,
and can be removed for field service.

End
cop

Beveled ring internal ring

Lock
OLD washer NEW
DESIGN in End cop
keywoy OESiGN

Nut Bowed ring External ring

Gasket O-ring
Courtesy: Machine Design: Penton Media, Inc.