Application Spotlight: ID/OD Locks - Retaining Ring Functionality

Spirolox Retaining Rings have many advantages. They are simple and safe to install and remove. They are produced with little to no waste, which makes them an economical choice for stainless steel rings. They are also groove interchangeable with stamped rings, but they have No Ears To Interfere^® with assemblies. These features permit them to fit into an internal and external groove simultaneously, which creates a tamper-proof, concealed ring assembly.

When used this way, Spirolox Retaining Rings create an Internal Diameter/Outside Diameter (ID/OD) Lock. ID/OD Locks are beneficial for applications that require a component to be retained within an assembly, but also require that pieces are able to rotate freely. The assembly can rotate without interruption because of the lack of “ears” or lugs does not interfere with any moving pieces while also providing a 360° retaining surface.

In the above assembly video, the retaining ring is initially installed in the internal groove of the housing. When the housing component is pushed down onto the mating component, the groove in the housing in which the Spirolox ring is inserted is deep enough to allow for the radial wall to expand while it is fitted over the other element. When the grooves in the housing and on the internal mating component meet, the retaining ring snaps into the shaft groove while still seated inside the housing groove.  Once the ring snaps into both grooves the assembly is “locked” together while still allowing both components to rotate freely.

Both pneumatic fittings and hose connectors are examples of ID/OD Locks being used in real-life applications. 2-turn and single-turn Spirolox Rings are utilized to connect components while allowing them to rotate freely.

Smalley Spirolox Retaining Rings are available standard in single, 2, and 3 turn configurations, in carbon and stainless steel. If your application requires a different diameter, more turns, or an exotic alloy, our Expert Engineers can help design you the perfect ring for your ID/OD Lock.

Additional resources:

Spirolox Retaining Rings

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