Beveled & Bowed Retaining Ring Design – A Twist On Tapered Section Rings and Circlips
Standard retaining rings, or circlips, are designed to secure components and prevent axial movement within a groove. In many applications such as electric motors, automotive drivetrains, and aerospace actuators, assemblies require more than basic retention. Conditions like tolerance stack-up, vibration, and endplay require retaining rings that apply load-bearing force within the groove system rather than simply sit in place.
Within the tapered section retaining ring family, there are several designs developed to address specific assembly requirements. In this blog, we will focus on two of those designs: beveled and bowed retaining rings. Both are axial tapered section circlips used in applications involving axial play, endplay, and vibration.
Rotor Clip Beveled Retaining Rings
Beveled retaining rings use a 15° beveled geometry to create a wedge-style locking action within the groove to provide rigid endplay take-up in a assembly. Internal beveled rings (VHO) engage the outer groove wall, while external beveled rings (VSH) engage the inner groove edge. During installation, the ring is positioned so the beveled geometry engages the matching groove wall. Under axial load, this wedge interface increases retention and maintains secure positioning within the groove. Because the locking mechanism depends on groove geometry, proper groove design is critical. The ring must maintain full engagement with the beveled wall and must not bottom out in the groove.
Features & Advantages
- Rigid axial locking within the groove under load
- 15° bevel creates self-tightening wedge engagement
- Retention force increases under axial loading conditions
- Resists back-out in shock and vibration environments
- Provides stable positioning in shaft and bore assemblies
Rotor Clip Bowed Retaining Rings
Bowed retaining rings incorporate a preformed axial bow that introduces spring behavior into the circlip design, compensating for accumulated tolerances in an assembly. BHO internal rings apply preload against the outer groove wall, while BSH external rings apply preload against the inner groove edge. When installed, the bow deflects under load and applies continuous axial force against the retained components. This spring element maintains preload throughout operation, eliminating endplay and maintaining consistent contact within the groove system. Groove design must accommodate both ring thickness and bow height to allow proper deflection and preload control.
Features & Advantages
- Integrated spring action provides continuous axial preload
- Eliminates endplay through constant contact force
- Reduces vibration and chatter in dynamic assemblies
- Compensates for wear and tolerance stack-up over time
- Can replace separate spring components in compact designs
Application Considerations
Beveled retaining rings are used in assemblies that require rigid axial positioning within the groove under load. The 15° beveled interface supports controlled engagement with the groove wall, allowing stable retention during operation and resistance to axial displacement. Bowed retaining rings are used in assemblies that require continuous axial preload. The preformed bow geometry introduces spring action that maintains contact force within the groove, accommodating axial variation caused by tolerance stack-up, wear, and operating conditions.
Application requirements such as load behavior, groove design, and desired axial control determine the appropriate ring configuration for the assembly.
Application Support
Rotor Clip is the only manufacturer of every retaining ring style, (circlips, snap rings, spiral rings) with a wide range of sizes, materials, and finishes available to support diverse application requirements. Whether you’re looking for a beveled ring, a bowed ring, or one of our many other styles of retaining ring, our engineers will collaborate with you to determine the right retaining ring for your application.
More than Parts. A True Partnership.
Our passion is creating the best rings, springs, and clamps. Our mission is to make your work a success. We are here for you.