Mounting rings for shafts

Mounting rings and methods for mounting structures to shafts are provided. The rings and methods may be used to mount other rings or housings to a shaft. The rings are characterized by having flexible inner diameters that can deflect under a radial load. The radial deflection of the inner diameter permits the rings to deflect and engage an outer diameter of a shaft. The engagement of the rings with a shaft provides at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring and structure. In one aspect, the ring has a closed, hollow, construction, for example, a circular, oval, or polygonal closed, hollow construction. The ring may include a plurality of indentations, such as slots, on the inside diameter of the ring that may relieve at least some of the circumferential stress in the ring. Methods for using the rings to mount a structure to a shaft are also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, generally, to a ring for mounting structures to a shaft, particularly, to a ring having a resilient inside diameter that can engage a shaft and provide at least some resistance to relative movement between the ring and the shaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need often arises for mounting a structure to a shaft when conventional means, for example, mechanical fasteners, welding, or machining, are unfeasible or simply impossible. For instance, when it is necessary to mount a structure onto an existing shaft in an existing assembly, it is sometimes difficult to mount a structure, for example, a ring or bearing housing, to the shaft. Existing shafts may not be accessible for machining, or they may have a metallurgy that is incompatible with welding or machining, or the shaft dimensions may have too large a tolerance where conventional mounting means are undesirable or impractical.

The present inventors encountered such a situation where conventional mounting means were incompatible with the condition of the shaft to which they were interested in mounting a structure, specifically, mounting a bearing backing plate. The inventors desired to mount a circular disk-shaped, bearing-backing ring to an existing forged or cast train axle. However, the existing train axle was a forged axle having an outside diameter that varied by about +/−0.030 inches. The inventors found that this forged axle did not lend itself to conventional mounting methods, for example, welding or machining. Also, the relatively large tolerance of the outside diameter required that whatever was mounted to the shaft be able to accommodate the variation in diameter while providing at least some resistance to the rotation of the backing plate relative to the shaft.

Aspects of the present invention provided the means for mounting the backing ring to the shaft. Moreover, the inventors recognized that aspects of the present invention were not limited to use with forged or cast train axles, but could be used in any situation in which it was desirable to mount a structure, any structure, on to any type of shaft.

SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a ring for mounting a structure to a shaft, the ring having a first surface adapted to engage the structure; and a radially inner surface adapted to flexibly engage the shaft and, when engaged with the shaft, provide at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring. In one aspect of the invention, the radially inner surface comprises a plurality of indentations, for example, slits, slots, or holes. In another aspect of the invention, the ring may be a metallic ring or a plastic ring. In another aspect of the invention, the invention may include a means for providing a substantially fluid-tight seal, for example, between the shaft and the ring, for instance, a sealing compound.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for mounting a structure to a shaft, the method including: providing a ring having a first surface adapted to engage the structure, and having a radially inner surface adapted to deflect and engage the shaft; mounting the structure to the ring; slidably engaging the ring onto the shaft whereby the radially inner surface of the ring engages the shaft; and providing at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring. In one aspect of the invention, slidably engaging the ring on the shaft further comprises radially deflecting the radially inner surface of the ring. In another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises providing a substantially fluid-tight seal, for example, between the ring and the shaft.

A further aspect of the invention is an arrangement for mounting a structure to a shaft, the arrangement including: a structure; a shaft to which the structure is to be mounted; and a ring mounted to the structure, the ring comprising: a first surface adapted to engage the structure; and a radially inner surface adapted to flexibly engage the shaft and, when engaged with the shaft, provide at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring. In one aspect of the invention, the structure may be a plate, a ring, a housing, a bearing, or a seal, among other structures. In another aspect of the invention, the arrangement may include a means for providing a substantially fluid-tight seal, for example, between the shaft and the ring, for instance, a sealing compound.

A further aspect of the invention is a ring for mounting a structure to a shaft, the ring comprising: a cross-section comprising a closed, hollow construction; a first surface adapted to engage the structure; and a radially inner surface adapted to flexibly engage the shaft and, when engaged with the shaft, provide at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring. In one aspect, the closed, hollow construction comprises one of a circular, oval, and polygonal closed, hollow construction.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for mounting a structure to a shaft, the method comprising: providing a ring having a cross-section comprising a closed, hollow construction; a first surface adapted to engage the structure; and a radially inner surface adapted to deflect and engage the shaft; mounting the structure to the ring; slidably engaging the ring onto the shaft whereby the radially inner surface of the ring engages the shaft; and providing at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring. In one aspect, providing at least some resistance to movement comprises at least some resistance to rotation of the shaft relative to the ring due to friction between the radially inner surface and the shaft.

A still further aspect of the invention is an arrangement for mounting a structure to a shaft, the arrangement including a structure; a shaft to which the structure is to be mounted; and a ring mounted to the structure, the ring having a cross-section comprising a closed, hollow construction; a first surface adapted to engage the structure; and a radially inner surface adapted to flexibly engage the shaft and, when engaged with the shaft, provide at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring. In one aspect, the arrangement further comprises means for providing a substantially fluid-tight seal between the ring and the shaft.

Details of these aspects of the invention, as well as further aspects of the invention, will become more readily apparent upon review of the following drawings and the accompanying claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The details and scope of the aspects of the present invention can best be understood upon review of the attached figures and their following descriptions.FIG. 1is a plan view of a ring10according to one aspect of the invention. Ring10has an inside diameter12and an outside diameter14.FIG. 2is a partial cross-sectional view of ring10shown inFIG. 1as viewed along section lines2-2inFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 2, ring10has a width16and, according to this aspect of the present invention, at least one indentation18, for example, a slot or slit, and typically a plurality of indentations18. According to one aspect of the invention, as discussed below, indentations18may take many different forms. However, to facilitate this discussion, indentation18will be referred to as a “slot” in the following discussion.FIG. 3is a magnified detailed view of the cross section of ring10identified by circle3inFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 3, section2-2shown inFIG. 1, passes through a slot18whereby a lateral surface19of slot18is shown without cross hatching inFIGS. 2 and 3.

Inside diameter12, outside diameter14, and width16may vary broadly depending upon the size of the installation in which ring10is used. For example, in one aspect of the invention, inside diameter12and outside diameter14may be as small as 0.125 inches or as large as 20 feet. In one aspect of the invention, the inside diameter12of ring10will typically vary from about 6 inches to about 3 feet, for example, between about 6 inches and about 1½ feet. In one aspect of the invention, the outside diameter14of ring10will typically vary from about 6 inches to about 3 feet, for example, between about 7 inches and about 2 feet. In one aspect of the invention, width16may be as small as 0.125 inches or as large as 2 feet. In one aspect of the invention, the width16of ring10will typically vary from about 0.25 inches to about 6 inches, for example, between about 0.25 inches and about 0.75 inches.

As shown inFIG. 3, the cross section of ring10includes a main section20having an outer surface22(comprising the outside diameter14), a first lateral surface24, and a second lateral surface26, opposite first lateral surface24. According to one aspect of the invention, main section20may take many shapes, for example, any shape that is compatible with the shape and function of the structure (not shown) that may be mounted to ring10. According to one aspect of the invention, the cross section of ring10also includes a projection28extending from main section20and having an inner surface29comprising inside diameter12. In the aspect of the invention shown inFIG. 3, projection28comprises a lateral extension from main section20providing an L-shaped appearance to the cross section of ring10; however, projection28may take any shape or orientation that is compatible with the shaft (not shown) to which ring10is mounted. According to aspects of the invention, extension28is adapted to be flexible or resilient, and deflect or deform under load, for example, deflect or deform under a load in the radial direction as represented by arrow32inFIG. 3. The deflection or deformation of extension28under load may comprise elastic deflection or plastic deflection. According to this aspect of the invention, main section20may be mounted to another structure (not shown) and ring10may be mounted to a shaft (not shown) whereby inside diameter12is allowed to deflect or deform, for example, to accommodate any deviation from the diameter of the shaft and inside diameter12of ring10.

In one aspect of the invention, slots18may be introduced to inner surface29of extension28. For example, in one aspect, slots18may be provided to relieve at least some of the circumferential or “hoop” stress that may be created when mounting ring10onto a shaft. In one aspect of the invention, slots18provide at least some resiliency to ring10, for example, to extension28, whereby inside diameter12may deflect under load. Slots18may have a depth21. Depth21may vary depending upon the thickness of extension18. Depth21may also vary depending upon the degree of stress relief desired, among other things. In one aspect, as shown inFIG. 3, depth21of slot18is sufficient to penetrate through extension28whereby slots18penetrate the outer surface of extension28. In another aspect of the invention, slots18do not penetrate the outer surface of extension28.

In one aspect of the invention, the shaft (not shown) to which ring10is mounted has a diameter, for example, a nominal diameter or an actual diameter, that may be greater than inside diameter12. In another aspect of the invention, the diameter of the shaft to which ring10is mounted may have a diameter that varies and may be greater than inside diameter12in some places and less than inside diameter12in other places. However, according to aspects of the present invention, deviations in the diameter of the shaft are accommodated by the flexibility of inside diameter12, for example, the flexibility provided by slots18. In one aspect of the invention, the flexibility of inside diameter12is sufficient to accommodate a shaft diameter whereby no indentations or slots18are required.

In one aspect of the invention, ring10may provide at least some fluid sealing between one side of ring10and the other side of ring10. For example, in the aspect of the invention where indentations18are small or when no indentations are present, ring10may provide a barrier that limits the flow of a fluid, for example, a liquid or a gas, across ring10. In another aspect of the invention, a means for providing a substantially fluid-tight seal may be provided between ring10and the shaft to which ring10is mounted. For example, in one aspect, a sealing material may be introduced to the interface between ring10and the shaft before, during, or after, ring10is mounted to the shaft. For example, a sealing compound, for instance, a silicone-based sealing compound, may be introduced to the interface, or a resilient device, for instance, an elastomeric ring or band, may be introduced to the interface. In one aspect of the invention, a room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber may be used, for example, an RTV silicone rubber may be applied to the interface of ring10and the shaft before, during, or after, ring10is mounted to the shaft. In another aspect of the invention, one or more pre-formed plugs may be installed in the slots18in ring10before, during, or after, ring10is mounted to the shaft.

According to one aspect of the invention, when ring10is mounted on to a shaft, the normal load provided by the contact of inner surface29upon the outside diameter of the shaft is sufficient to provide at least some friction between the outside diameter of the shaft and inner surface29whereby at least some resistance, for example, some torsional resistance, is provided to the rotation of the shaft relative to ring10. In one aspect of the invention, the friction provided by the contact between inner surface29upon the outside diameter of a shaft is sufficient to minimize or prevent rotation of the shaft relative to ring10. For example, in one aspect, ring10and any structure mounted to ring10may become substantially rigidly mounted to a shaft. In another aspect of the invention, the friction provided by the contact between inner surface29upon the outside diameter is sufficient to withstand a torsional load of at least 100 foot-pounds of torque, typically, at least 600 foot-pounds of torque, with little or no deflection of the ring10relative to the shaft.

In one aspect of the invention, ring10may be metallic, for example, made from iron, steel, stainless steel (for example, an AISI 300 series stainless steel, such as AISI 304 or AISI 316), aluminum, nickel, titanium, or any other metal, or a combination of these or other metals. In one aspect of the invention, ring10may be made from a plastic, for example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PE), polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), among other plastics. In one aspect of the invention, ring10may be made from an elastomeric material, for example, a rubber, such as, natural rubber, neoprene, ethylene-propylene rubber (EDM/EPDM), or styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR); urethane; or polyurethane, among other elastomeric materials.

In one aspect of the invention, surface29of inside diameter12may be treated to enhance the friction between surface29and the surface of the shaft to which ring10is mounted. For example, in one aspect, the surface of inside diameter12may be treated to roughen the surface, for example, by shot peening, sanding, grinding, or other surface treatment.

In one aspect of the invention, indentations or slots18may comprise any indentation in the inner surface29, for example, any indentations that provide at least some relief to the hoop stress introduced by mounting ring10to a shaft. For example, in one aspect of the invention, indentions18may comprise circular, square, or rectangular holes. In one aspect of the invention, as shown inFIGS. 1 through 3, indentations18may comprise elongated indentations, for example, slits or slots. In one aspect of the invention, indentations18may be positioned anywhere on inner surface29. In one aspect of the invention, indentations18may be located at the innermost surface of surface29, for example, along inside diameter12.

Also, indentations18may be oriented in any desired orientation on surface29. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 through 3, indentations18may be oriented in an axial direction, that is, in a direction substantially directed along the axis of ring10. In another aspect of the invention, indentations18may be directed at an angle to the axis of ring10, for example, at an angle between about 5 degrees and about 90 degrees, for example, about 45 degrees, to the axis of ring10. In one aspect of the invention, indentations18may be directed substantially perpendicular to the axis of ring10, for example, in a substantially circumferential direction. In one aspect of the invention, indentations18may comprise one or more circumferential slots or slits, either continuous or intermittent, directed circumferentially about surface29. In one aspect of the invention, indentations18may comprise a plurality of substantially parallel, circumferential slots in inner surface29. In one aspect of the invention, indentations18may comprise blind indentations (for example, blind holes) or through holes, for example, holes that penetrate extension28. The size of indentations18may vary broadly, for example, in one aspect, the smallest dimension of indentation18, for example, the diameter of holes or the width of slots, may vary from about 0.005 inches to about 3.0 inches, depending upon the size of ring10. For example, in one aspect of the invention slots18inFIGS. 1,2and3have a length of about 0.10 inches and a depth21of about 0.10 inches.

FIGS. 4,5, and6are partial cross-sectional views of an assembly40according to another aspect of the invention.FIGS. 4,5, and6illustrate the successive assembly of a structure50using a ring10, according to one aspect of the invention, upon a shaft60.FIGS. 4,5, and6illustrate only a representative upper half of structure50, ring10, and shaft60in which each have the substantially common axis70. In one aspect of the invention, structure50may comprise any structure that is desirable to mount to a shaft. Structure50may be a plate, for example, a bearing backing plate; a ring; a housing, for example, a bearing housing; or any other type of conventional structure.

In one aspect of the invention, structure50may include an internal annular cavity52adapted to receive ring10; for example, cavity52may include a lead-in chamfer54, an outside diameter56, and a lateral surface58. Ring10may be mounted to cavity52by conventional means, for example, by means of welding, by means of an adhesive, by means of one or more mechanical fasteners, by means of a press-fit, or by means of a shrink fit, among other means. In one aspect of the invention, ring10and structure50may be an integral part, for example, ring10and structure50may be fabricated (for example, machined, forged, or cast) from one integral piece of material. In one aspect of the invention, structure50also includes an internal chamfer59.

In one aspect of the invention, shaft60includes an outer diameter62. Outer diameter62may vary from a nominal dimension as indicated by phantom line64. For example, diameter62may vary by at least about +/−0.005 inches or by at least about +/−0.050 inches, or even at least about +/−0.50 inches. In one aspect of the invention, shaft60may be a forged or cast shaft and have an outside diameter that varies by about +/−0.050 inches. In one aspect of the invention, shaft60may be a train axle, for example, a forged or cast train axle having an outside diameter that has a tolerance of about +/−0.050 inches. In this aspect of the invention, structure50may comprise a bearing backing plate and ring10may be used to mount the bearing backing plate to the forged or cast shaft60. As shown inFIGS. 4,5, and6, shaft60may include a chamfer61.

FIG. 4illustrates assembly40prior to when ring10engages shaft60.FIG. 5illustrates assembly40as ring10begins to engage the outside diameter62of shaft60. As shown inFIG. 5, in this stage of assembly, inside diameter12of ring10is less than the outside diameter62of shaft60. According to this aspect of the invention, inner surface29of ring10is adapted to engage shaft60whereby inner surface29radially deflects to increase inside diameter12. As shown inFIG. 5, according to one aspect of the invention, the section of inner surface29of ring10that engages shaft60may comprise a ramped or chamfered surface31. This chamfered surface31causes surface29to radially deflect when contacted by outside diameter62of shaft60whereby inside diameter12increases to accommodate outside diameter62.

FIG. 6illustrates assembly40after ring10has engaged outside diameter62of shaft60. As shown inFIG. 6, inside diameter12of resilient ring10has deflected to a diameter of at least outside diameter62. According to this aspect of the invention, the deflection of extension28during engagement of ring10with shaft60introduces circumvention stress (or hoop stress) in extension28that causes compression between the inner surface29of ring10and the outside diameter62of shaft60. According to the present invention, this compression between inner surface29and outside diameter62is sufficient to provide at least some resistance, for example, some frictional resistance, to the rotation of shaft60relative to ring10. In one aspect of the invention, the resistance to the relative rotation of shaft60and ring10is sufficient whereby ring10, and structure50, are substantially mounted to shaft60, for example, rigidly mounted to shaft60. In another aspect of the invention, at least some resistance to axial deflection may be provided. For example, in one aspect, the mounting of ring10onto shaft60may be capable of withstanding an axial load of at least about 500 pounds, at least about 1000 pounds, at least about 1500 pounds, or even more, with little or no axial deflection. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the amount of torsional and/or axial resistance to movement will be dependent upon the dimensions of ring10and the application to which ring10is applied.

In one aspect of the invention, the resistance to relative rotation of shaft60with respect to ring10may be enhanced by treating either inner surface29of ring10, outside diameter62of shaft60, or both. For example, in one aspect of the invention inner surface29or outside diameter62may be treated with a friction increasing material, for example, an adhesive. In another aspect of the invention, the friction between surface29and outside diameter62may be enhanced by treating one or both surfaces, for example, by shot peening, sanding, grinding, or other surface treatment.

In another aspect of the invention, resistance to relative movement between inner surface29and outside diameter62may be enhanced by indentations18. For example, in this aspect of the invention, indentations18, or more specifically, the edges of indentations18, may contact the outside diameter62to provide at least some resistance to relative rotation and/or axial deflection. In one aspect of the invention, surface29having indentations18may comprise a material that is harder than the material of outside diameter62, for example, whereby the harder edges of indentations18penetrate at least some of the surface of outside diameter62to increase the resistance to relative motion between the mating surfaces.

FIG. 7is partial cross-sectional view, similar toFIG. 6, of another assembly140of a structure150and ring10having flexible extension28mounted to another shaft160according to an aspect of the invention.FIG. 7illustrates only a representative upper half of structure150, ring10, and shaft160in which each have the substantially common axis170. Structure150includes a cavity152for accepting and retaining ring10in a manner similar to that described with respect toFIGS. 4,5, and6. Unlike shaft60ofFIG. 4, shaft160does not include a chamfer, such a chamfer61inFIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 7, according to one aspect of the invention, ring10may be used to mount structure150onto shaft160having a first outside diameter161and a second outside diameter162, the second outside diameter162being equal to or greater than the first outside diameter161. As shown inFIG. 7, first outside diameter161and second outside diameter162may define a step164in shaft160. According to this aspect of the invention, structure150has an inside diameter165that is greater than first outside diameter161of shaft160. In one aspect of the invention, when mounted to shaft160, extension128of ring10may deflect during assembly (in a fashion similar to what is shown inFIGS. 4,5, and6) and bear against second outside162when assembled. Also, when mounted to shaft160, structure150may bear against step164. In one aspect of the invention, structure150may include some sealing means166, for example, an o-ring or wiper seal, positioned on inside diameter165to provide at least some fluid seal between structure150and shaft160.

FIGS. 8,9, and10illustrate a ring110according to another aspect of the present invention.FIGS. 8,9, and10of ring110are similar to the views of ring10shown inFIGS. 1,2, and3.FIG. 8is a plan view of ring110. Ring110may have many of the attributes of ring10discussed with respect to and illustrated inFIGS. 1-6. Ring110has an inside diameter112and an outside diameter114.FIG. 9is a partial cross-sectional view of ring110shown inFIG. 8as viewed along section lines9-9inFIG. 8. As shown inFIG. 9, ring110has a width116and, according to this aspect of the present invention, at least one indentation118, for example, a slot or slit, and typically a plurality of indentations118. As discussed with respect to ring10, indentations118of ring110may take many different forms. However, again, to facilitate this discussion, indentations118will be referred to as a “slots” in the following discussion.FIG. 10is a magnified detailed view of the cross section of ring110identified by circle10inFIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 10, section9-9shown inFIG. 8, passes through a slot118whereby a lateral surface119of slot118is shown without cross hatching inFIGS. 9 and 10.

In one aspect of the invention, inside diameter112, outside diameter114, and width116may be sized similar to inside diameter12, outside diameter14, and width16of ring10.

As shown inFIG. 10, unlike ring10, the cross section of ring110is a closed, hollow rectangular structure or construction (for example, form or shape) having an outer surface122(comprising outside diameter114), a first lateral surface124, and a second lateral surface126, opposite first lateral surface124, and an inner surface129(comprising inside diameter112). In one aspect of the invention, the closed hollow structure of the cross-section of ring110may take many shapes and forms, for example, the closed hollow shape of ring110may be circular, square, oval, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or comprise any other polygonal shape having linear or curvilinear sides, including a pentagonal, a hexagonal, a septagonal, and a octagonal hollow construction. As discussed above, the shape and cross-section of ring110may be provided to accommodate the shape and function of the structure (not shown) that is mounted to ring110.

In one aspect of the invention, as shown inFIG. 10, inner surface129of ring110may be “v-shaped” where the side surfaces of inner surface129converge to a rounded ridge which defines inner diameter112. In other aspects of the invention surface129may take other shapes, for example, a semicircular, oval, square, or rectangular, among others. According to this aspect of the invention, and similar to ring10, ring110is adapted to be flexible or resilient, and deflect or deform under load, for example, deflect or deform under a load represented by arrow132inFIG. 10. The deflection or deformation of ring110under load may comprise elastic deflection or plastic deflection.

According to this aspect of the invention, ring110may be mounted to another structure (not shown), for example, a structure mounted to one or more surfaces122,124, and126. Ring110may be mounted to a shaft (not shown) whereby inside diameter112is allowed to deflect or deform, for example, deflect or deform to accommodate any deviation from the diameter of the shaft from the inside diameter112of ring110.

In one aspect of the invention, again, similar to ring10, slots118or ring110may be introduced to inner surface129. For example, slots118may be provided to relieve at least some of the circumferential or “hoop” stress that may be created when mounting ring110onto a shaft. In one aspect of the invention, slots118provide at least some resiliency to ring10whereby inside diameter112may deflect under load. Slots118may have a depth121. Depth121may vary, for example, depending upon the degree of stress relief desired. In one aspect, as shown inFIG. 10, the depth121of slot118is sufficient to penetrate through a side of ring110whereby slots118penetrate the inner surface of the side associated with surface129. In another aspect of the invention, slots118do not penetrate through the sides of ring110.

Similar to ring10, in one aspect of the invention, the diameter of the shaft (not shown) to which ring110is mounted has a diameter, for example, a nominal diameter, that may be greater than inside diameter112. This diameter may vary and may be greater than inside diameter112in some places and less than inside diameter112in other places. However, according to aspects of the present invention, deviations in the diameter of the shaft are accommodated by the flexibility of inside diameter112, for example, the flexibility provided by slots118. In one aspect of the invention, the flexibility of ring110is sufficient to accommodate a shaft diameter whereby no indentations or slots118are required.

Again, similar to ring10, in one aspect of the invention, ring110may provide at least some fluid sealing between one side of ring110and the other side of ring110. As discussed above with respect to ring10, in one aspect, a sealing compound or a sealing device may be provided at the interface of the ring110and the shaft to which ring110is mounted before, during, or after ring110is mounted. For example, in one aspect, an RTV silicone rubber or a resilient device may be applied to the interface of ring110and the shaft, as described above with respect to ring10.

According to one aspect of the invention, similar to ring10, when ring110is mounted on to a shaft, the normal load provided by the contact of inner surface129upon the outside diameter of the shaft is sufficient to provide at least some friction between the outside diameter of the shaft and inner surface129whereby at least some resistance, for example, some torsional resistance, is provided to the rotation of the shaft relative to ring110. In another aspect of the invention, the friction provided by the contact between inner surface129upon the outside diameter of a shaft is sufficient to minimize or prevent rotation of the shaft relative to ring110. For example, in one aspect, ring110, and any structure mounted to ring110, may become substantially rigidly mounted to a shaft. In another aspect of the invention, the friction provided by the contact between inner surface129upon the outside diameter is sufficient to withstand a torsional load of at least 100 foot-pounds of torque, typically, at least 600 foot-pounds of torque, with little or no deflection of the ring110relative to the shaft. In another aspect of the invention, at least some resistance to axial deflection may be provided. For example, in one aspect, the mounting of ring110onto a shaft may be capable of withstanding an axial load of at least about 500 pounds, at least about 1000 pounds, at least about 1500 pounds, or even more, with little or no axial deflection. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the amount of torsional and/or axial resistance to movement will be dependent upon the dimensions of ring110and the application to which ring s10is applied.

In one aspect of the invention, ring110may be metallic or plastic, and may be fabricated from one or more of the materials discussed above with respect to ring10, for example, from an AISI 300 series stainless steel. In one aspect of the invention, similar to ring10, surface129of inside diameter112may be treated to enhance the friction between surface129and the surface of the shaft to which ring110is mounted. In one aspect of the invention, indentations or slots118of ring110may comprise any indentation in the inner surface129. For example, slots118may comprise any indentations that provide at least some relief to the hoop stress introduced by mounting ring110to a shaft. For example, indentations118may comprise one or more of the indentation shapes, locations, orientations, configurations, and sizes discussed above with respect to ring10.

According to one aspect of the invention, ring110may be mounted to a shaft in a manner similar to that shown inFIGS. 4,5,6, and7.

FIGS. 11,12, and13illustrate a ring210according to another aspect of the present invention.FIGS. 11,12, and13of ring210are similar to the views of ring10shown inFIGS. 1,2, and3and ring110shown inFIGS. 8,9, and10.FIG. 11is a plan view of ring210. Ring210may have many if not all the attributes of rings10and110discussed with respect to and illustrated inFIGS. 1-10. Ring210has an inside diameter212and an outside diameter214.FIG. 12is a partial cross-sectional view of ring210shown inFIG. 11as viewed along section lines12-12inFIG. 11. As shown inFIG. 12, ring210has a width216. Though in one aspect of the invention ring210may include at least one slot, slit, or indentation along the surface defined by inside diameter212, for example, the slots18and118discussed with respect to other aspects of the invention, according to one aspect of the invention, ring210includes no slots, slits, or indentations about its inside diameter212. The omission of slots, slits, or indentations in ring210provides the further advantage of providing a device that is easier and less expensive to fabricate. For example, the machining of a plurality of indentations in the inside diameter of ring210may be costly and time consuming. In addition, the omission of indentations, for example, in ring210also reduces or eliminates possible paths of fluid leakage. Thus, aspects of the invention require less or no sealing means, for example, RTV sealant, compared to aspects with indentations.FIG. 13is a magnified detailed view of the cross section of ring210identified by circle13inFIG. 12.

As shown inFIG. 13, unlike ring10, but similar to ring110, the cross section of ring210is a closed, hollow circular structure or construction (for example, form or shape) having an outer surface or portion222(comprising outside diameter214), a first lateral surface or portion224, and a second lateral surface or portion226opposite first lateral surface or portion224, and an inner surface or portion229(comprising inside diameter212). In one aspect of the invention, the closed hollow structure of the cross-section of ring210may take many shapes and forms, for example, the closed hollow shape of ring210may be square, oval, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or comprise any other polygonal shape having linear or curvilinear sides, including a pentagonal, a hexagonal, a heptagonal, and a octagonal hollow construction, among others. As discussed above with respect to rings10and110, the shape and cross-section of ring210may be provided to accommodate the shape and function of the structure (not shown) that is mounted to ring210, for example, one or more planar sides to accommodate a planar surface of the structure.

In one aspect of the invention, and similar to rings10and110, ring210is adapted to be flexible or resilient, and deflect or deform under load, for example, deflect or deform under a load represented by arrow232inFIG. 13. The deflection or deformation of ring210under load may comprise elastic deflection or plastic deflection.

Similar to rings10and110, according to one aspect of the invention, ring210may be mounted to another structure (not shown), for example, a structure mounted to one or more surfaces222,224, and226. Ring210may be mounted to a shaft (not shown) whereby inside diameter212is allowed to deflect or deform, for example, deflect or deform to accommodate any deviation from the diameter of the shaft from the inside diameter212of ring210.

In one aspect of the invention, again, similar to rings10and110, slots or indentations (not shown) may be introduced to inner surface229. For example, slots or indentations may be provided to relieve at least some of the circumferential or “hoop” stress that may be created when mounting ring210onto a shaft. For a description of the slots or indentations that may be provided refer to the corresponding description of slots18and118above. In one aspect of the invention, slots or indentations provide at least some resiliency to ring210whereby inside diameter212may deflect under load. However, in one aspect, no slots or indentations are provided.

Similar to rings10and110, in one aspect of the invention, the diameter of the shaft (not shown) to which ring210is mounted has a diameter, for example, a nominal diameter, that may be greater than inside diameter212. This diameter may vary and may be greater than inside diameter212in some places and less than inside diameter212in other places. However, according to aspects of the present invention, deviations in the diameter of the shaft are accommodated by the flexibility of inside diameter212, even without slots or indentations.

Again, similar to rings10and110, in one aspect of the invention, ring210may provide at least some fluid sealing between one side of ring210and the other side of ring210. As discussed above with respect to rings10and110, in one aspect, a sealing compound or a sealing device may be provided at the interface of the ring210and the shaft to which ring210is mounted before, during, or after ring210is mounted. For example, in one aspect, an RTV silicone rubber or a resilient device may be applied to the interface of ring210and the shaft, as described above with respect to rings10and110.

According to one aspect of the invention, similar to rings10and110, when ring210is mounted on to a shaft, the normal load provided by the contact of inner surface229upon the outside diameter of the shaft is sufficient to provide at least some friction between the outside diameter of a shaft and inner surface229whereby at least some resistance, for example, some torsional resistance, is provided to the rotation of the shaft relative to ring210. In another aspect of the invention, the friction provided by the contact between inner surface229upon the outside diameter of a shaft is sufficient to minimize or prevent rotation of the shaft relative to ring210. For example, in one aspect, ring210, and any structure mounted to ring210, may become substantially rigidly mounted to a shaft. In another aspect of the invention, the friction provided by the contact between inner surface229upon the outside diameter of a shaft is sufficient to withstand a torsional load of at least 100 foot-pounds of torque, typically, at least 600 foot-pounds of torque, with little or no deflection of the ring210relative to the shaft. In another aspect of the invention, at least some resistance to axial deflection may be provided. For example, in one aspect, the mounting of ring210onto a shaft may be capable of withstanding an axial load of at least about 500 pounds, at least about 1000 pounds, at least about 1500 pounds, or even more, with little or no axial deflection. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the amount of torsional and/or axial resistance to movement will be dependent upon the dimensions of ring210and the application to which ring210is applied.

In one aspect of the invention, ring210may be metallic or plastic, and may be fabricated from one or more of the materials discussed above with respect to rings10and110, for example, from an AISI 300 series stainless steel. In one aspect of the invention, similar to rings10and110, surface229of inside diameter212may be treated to enhance the friction between surface229and the surface of the shaft to which ring210is mounted. In one aspect of the invention, where ring210includes indentations or slots (not shown), these slots or indentations may comprise any indentation in the inner surface229, as described with respect to slots18and118. For example, slots in ring210may comprise one or more of the indentation shapes, locations, orientations, configurations, and sizes discussed above with respect to rings10and110.

In one aspect of the invention, inside diameter212, outside diameter214, and width216may be sized similar to inside diameters12,112outside diameter14,114and width16,116of rings10and110, respectively. However, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the dimensions of ring210and the conditions of its installation will vary depending upon the application in which ring210is used, for example, the size of the shaft to which ring210is mounted and the expected torsional and/or axial loads ring210must be designed to withstand. In one aspect of the invention, the shaft to which ring210may be mounted may have an outside diameter of about 8 inches. In this application, the width or diameter216of ring210may be about 0.375 inches and have a wall thickness of about 0.035 inches. However, in other aspects of the invention these dimensions may vary broadly. For example, in one aspect, the diameter of the shaft with which ring210is used may have a diameter ranging from about 0.03125 inches (that is, 1/32 inch) to 10 feet, but may typically be between about 2 inches and about 20 inches in diameter. In another aspect of the invention, ring210may have a width216of between about 0.03125 inches and about 3 inches, but may typically be between about 0.25 inches and about 0.75 inches in width. In one aspect of the invention, ring210may have a wall thickness of between about 0.010 inches and about 1 inch, but may typically be between about 0.020 inches and about 0.25 inches in wall thickness. In one aspect of the invention, ring210may not be hallow, but may have a solid cross-section. For example, in one aspect, ring210may comprise a solid ring having a width or diameter216of between 0.03125 inches (that is, 1/32 inch) and about 0.25 inches, for example, made from a ⅛-inch solid wire. In one aspect of the invention, the amount of nominal, pre-assembly interference between the inside diameter212of ring210and the outside diameter of the shaft upon which ring210is mounted may range from about 0.010 inches to about 0.100 inches, but may typically be between about 0.015 inches and about 0.065 inches. Similarly, the nominal, pre-assembly interference between the outside diameter214of ring210and the inside diameter of the housing into which ring210is mounted may range from about 0.001 inches to about 0.050 inches, but may typically be between about 0.005 inches and about 0.015 inches.

Again, those of skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions of ring210and the amount of interference between the housing and the shaft may vary broadly and may be contingent upon the application and loading for which ring210will be used. For example, a larger interference between the inside diameter of the housing into which ring210is mounted and the outside diameter214of ring210will affect the flexibility of the ring and thus affect the amount of interference that can be tolerated between the inside diameter212and the shaft to which ring210is mounted. Similar tradeoffs must be considered in aspects of the invention where ring210includes slots or indentions along inside diameter212.

According to one aspect of the invention, ring210may be mounted to a shaft in a manner similar to that shown inFIGS. 4,5,6, and7.FIG. 14is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembly240according to another aspect of the invention.FIG. 14represents the final assembled state of a structure250and ring210on a shaft260. Shaft260has an outside diameter262. These may be assembled as shown, for example, inFIGS. 4,5, and6, according to another aspect of the invention. As didFIGS. 4,5,6, and7,FIG. 14illustrates only a representative upper half of structure250, ring210, and shaft260in which each have the substantially common axis270. In one aspect of the invention, structure250may comprise any structure that is desirable to mount to a shaft. Structure250may be a plate, for example, a bearing backing plate; a ring; a housing, for example, a bearing housing; or any other type of conventional structure.

In one aspect of the invention, structure250may include an internal annular cavity252adapted to receive ring210; for example, cavity252may include a lead-in chamfer254, an outside diameter256, and a lateral surface258. Ring210may be mounted to cavity252by conventional means, for example, by means of welding, by means of an adhesive, by means of one or more mechanical fasteners, by means of a press-fit, or by means of a shrink fit, among other means. In one aspect of the invention, ring210and structure250may be an integral part, for example, ring210and structure250may be fabricated (for example, machined, forged, or cast) from one integral piece of material. In one aspect of the invention, structure250also includes an internal chamfer259.

As shown inFIG. 14, inside diameter212of ring210has deflected to a diameter of at least about outside diameter262. According to this aspect of the invention, the interaction of ring210with shaft260may cause at least some rotation or deflection of ring210in the direction indicated by arrow211. However, in one aspect of the invention, ring210experiences little or no rotation or deflection, but is simply deformed as shown inFIG. 14. The rotation, deflection, and/or deformation of ring240as ring240engages shaft260introduces at least some circumvention stress (or hoop stress) in ring210that causes compression between the inner surface229(seeFIG. 13) of ring210and the outside diameter262of shaft260. According to the present invention, this compression between inner surface229and outside diameter262is sufficient to provide at least some resistance, for example, some frictional resistance, to the rotation of shaft260relative to ring210. That is, in one aspect, the means for allowing the inner diameter of the metallic ring to deform and avoid movement of the shaft relative to the ring when the ring is slidably and coaxially mounted on the shaft may be is the wall thickness of the cross section of the ring sized to deform when the ring is coaxially mounted on the shaft. In one aspect of the invention, the resistance to the relative rotation of shaft260and ring210is sufficient whereby ring210and structure250are substantially mounted to shaft260, for example, rigidly mounted to shaft260. In another aspect of the invention, at least some resistance to axial deflection may be provided, as described above.

In one aspect of the invention, rings10,110, and210may be fabricated from a continuous coil; for example, the cross-sections of rings10,110, and210may be extruded into a continuous coil. The continuous coil may then be cut to length and the free ends of the cut length may be attached to each other, for example, by welding, to form ring10,110, or210.

Aspects of the present invention provide devices and methods for mounting structures onto shafts. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, features, characteristics, and/or advantages of the various aspects described herein, may be applied and/or extended to any embodiment (for example, applied and/or extended to any portion thereof).

Although several aspects of the present invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.