Application Spotlight: Self-Locking Rings in Automotive Applications

Smalley offers an array of standard retaining rings for different applications. Selecting the appropriate ring requires an understanding of the application requirements, which includes thrust load, groove dimensions, and many others. If your application rotates at high speeds, the rotational capacity of the retaining ring will be important to consider.

With the technological advances of electric cars, the electric motors used to power the wheels are subjects to rapid acceleration, vibration, and, of course, high RPMs. Such applications can often exceed the rotational capacity for many retaining rings, and if a ring slips out of place, the entire assembly can fail, causing serious damage. Smalley has and continues to invest in ongoing research and development for this area.

Any retaining ring operating on a rotating shaft is limited by centrifugal forces, including Smalley retaining rings. Failure happens when these centrifugal forces are great enough to expand and lift the retaining ring from the groove.

A custom retaining ring, or possibly a self-locking ring, may be an option if your application requirements exceed the recommended rotational capacity of our standard ring.

The self-locking feature consists of a tab and a slot that interlock to prevent the ring from expanding. The tab lines up with a slot on the mating turn such that when the ring is installed into the groove, the tab seats inside the slot.

This feature allows the ring to function properly at speeds far exceeding the rotational capacity of a standard retaining ring. The self-locking feature makes it possible for the ring to operate at high speeds, withstand vibration, function under rapid acceleration, and absorb a degree of impact loading.

Besides automotive applications, self-locking rings are used in many other designs, including aerospace and industrial.  Smalley can also manufacture these rings in different materials depending on the environmental requirements, or with the locking mechanisms in different positions depending on your needs. Smalley engineers are ready to help you design the perfect self-locking retaining ring for your application.

More information:

• Self-Locking Rings
• Retaining Ring Design Help
• Smalley’s Resource Center
• Ask The Expert