Snap ring locking clip and method
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorCarl Romack
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A locking device and method to eliminate rotation or dislodging of a snap ring relative to a snap ring groove is provided. A locking clip is provided that may be used as a retention clip, with or without the use of a snap ring. The locking device for a housing assembly to retain a part comprises a locking clip, insertable between the retained part and the housing, wherein the locking clip comprises a clip body; a first locking tab connected to the clip body; and a locating tab connected to the clip body. In rotating assemblies, the elimination of snap ring movement improves the balance and wear of the assembly.
Claims16
A locking device to retain a part within a housing, said locking device comprising:
- a locking clip insertable between said retained part and said housing, wherein said locking clip comprises:
- a clip body;
- a first locking tab connected to said clip body;
- and
- a locating tab connected to said clip body.
A method of limiting movement and thereby balancing a gapped snap ring in a snap ring groove between rotatable parts comprising:
- locating a mass in the snap ring gap in the snap ring groove, wherein the mass is substantially equal to the mass of the material missing from the snap ring to form the gap, whereby to balance the rotation of said parts and snap ring.
A locking clip for locating a gapped snap ring in a snap ring groove between complementary parts comprising:
- a locking clip body having a body portion, a locking tab portion, and a locating tab portion;
- wherein said locking tab portion is insertable into said snap ring groove to limit movement of the snap ring in one direction;
- wherein said locating tab is insertable between said complementary parts to limit movement of the snap ring in another direction;
- and
- wherein the mass of said locking clip body is substantially equal to the mass of the material missing from said snap ring to form the gap in said gapped snap ring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.