Abstract: A tolerance ring is disclosed and can include a strip of material having a length, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of radially extending projections between the first and second ends. The strip of material can be curved into a ring having a gap. The radially extending projections are configured to be compressible between a bore and a shaft. A width and/or a height of a radially extending projection closest to the first end is different from a width and/or a height of a radially extending projection closest to a line extending perpendicular to the length and bisecting the strip of material within a circumferential row of the radially extending projections.

Abstract: A tolerance ring is disclosed and can include a strip of material having a length, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of radially extending projections between the first and second ends. The strip of material can be curved into a ring having a gap. The radially extending projections are configured to be compressible between a bore and a shaft. A width and/or a height of a radially extending projection closest to the first end is different from a width and/or a height of a radially extending projection closest to a line extending perpendicular to the length and bisecting the strip of material within a circumferential row of the radially extending projections.

Abstract: A fastener (11) in the form of a strip (12) of material in the form of a ring which in plan view is profiled to conform to an annular gap (H) between a first component (A) bounded by the fastener (11) and a second component (B) bounding the fastener (11); the ring member having ends providing a gap (G) in plan view; the strip of material having a first side (14) and a second side (15); and having a series of integral fingers (16-23) spaced along the length of the ring and projecting, in plan view, outwardly from the ring whether from the first side (14), the second side (15), or both sides thereof. In a further version the ring includes a further series of discrete projections formed integrally from the strip and lying around the ring member in between members of the series of fingers.

Abstract: A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50) is disclosed. The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band wound to form a first layer (111) having a plurality of radially extending projections (12, 13, 15) around its circumference and an unformed second layer (110) which overlaps with the first layer. The second layer acts as a force diffuser to spread the forces transferred through the projections on to the inner or outer component.

Abstract: A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50) is disclosed. The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band having a plurality of radially extending projections around its circumference, wherein the projections include a set of axially spaced protuberances (12, 13) separated by a unformed region (11) circumferentially adjacent to an axially elongate protuberance (15), the axial extent of which spans the axial extent of the set of axially spaced protuberances. This arrangement of protuberances facilitates the transfer of retention force to a component that is composed of a plurality of independent parts, e.g. two or more bearings (54, 56) separated by a spacer (58).

Abstract: A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50). The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band having a plurality of radially extending projections around its circumference. The projections include a set of axially spaced protuberances (12, 13) separated by an unformed region (11) circumferentially adjacent to an axially elongate protuberance (15), the axial extent of which spans the axial extent of the set of axially spaced protuberances. This arrangement of protuberances facilitates the transfer of retention force to a component that is composed of a plurality of independent parts, e.g. two or more bearings (54, 56) separated by a spacer (58).

Abstract: A thin component such as the actuator arm (10) of a hard disk drive, is mounted on a pivot or pin (31), such as the pivot assembly of the hard disk drive, using a ring (32), e.g. a tolerance ring, having one or more projections (35), wherein the engagement of the component (30) and the ring (32) is such as to apply a force to the component (30) in a direction which is inclined to both the radial and axial directions of the pivot or pin (31). The pivot or pin (31) has a flange onto which the component (30) is pressed by the axial component of the force generated by the ring on the component. The edge of the ring (32) remote from the component (30) is engaged with a stop element, e.g. another flange (34) of the pivot or pin (31).

Abstract: An apparatus is shown which comprises first and second mating components with a force limiter located between them. The force limiter includes a band of resilient material, with protrusions therealong, and a slip element. The band and the slip element are secured to the first mating component with the band arranged to apply a radial force against the slip element so as to press it against the second mating component. The frictional force between slip element and the second mating component is insufficient to separate the slip element and the band from the first mating component, so any slipping that occurs between the mating components happens at the boundary of the slip element and the second mating component. A desired slip force can be obtained by choosing a slip element with an appropriate coefficient of friction, rather than by varying the dimensions of the components.

Abstract: A tolerance ring includes a curved strip having first and second ends. Additionally, the tolerance ring includes a plurality of projections formed on the curved strip, and a physical connection between the first and second ends such that the curved strip forms a closed loop.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tolerance ring between opposing surfaces of an inner and outer component arranged to mate with one another to provide an interference fit therebetween includes mounting the tolerance ring on one of the inner and outer components whereby the projections are received in a recessed portion on that component, partially mating the inner and outer components, and completing mating by causing relative movement between the tolerance ring and the recessed portion to move the projections from the recessed portion and to be compressed between the mated inner and outer components. The tolerance ring includes an annular band of resilient material for engaging an opposing surface of one of the inner and outer components. The annular band has a plurality of deformable projections extending radially therefrom to engage the opposing surface of the other one of the inner and outer components.

Abstract: A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50) is disclosed. The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band having a plurality of radially extending projections around its circumference, wherein the projections include a set of axially spaced protuberances (12, 13) separated by a unformed region (11) circumferentially adjacent to an axially elongate protuberance (15), the axial extent of which spans the axial extent of the set of axially spaced protuberances. This arrangement of protuberances facilitates the transfer of retention force to a component that is composed of a plurality of independent parts, e.g. two or more bearings (54, 56) separated by a spacer (58).

Abstract: A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50) is disclosed. The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band wound to form a first layer (111) having a plurality of radially extending projections (12, 13, 15) around its circumference and an unformed second layer (110) which overlaps with the first layer. The second layer acts as a force diffuser to spread the forces transferred through the projections on to the inner or outer component.