Interference fit attachment for a rounded member
US6568703B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/4966
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A novel apparatus and method for attaching a rounded member, such as an inflator assembly for an automobile air bag, to another member or surface, particularly a flat surface, is disclosed. A spacer, which may take the form of a split ring, is positioned around an attachment surface of the rounded member. Then, while the spacer is supported against further motion along the inflator, a flange having a shank with a tapered inside diameter may be passed around the inflator and spacer. As the inside diameter of the flange narrows to contact the spacer, the flange exerts inward pressure tending to frictionally engage the inflator with the spacer, and the spacer with the flange. Thus, an interference fit having a high retention strength may be comparatively easily and rapidly formed. The spacer may be hardened so as to indent the inflator and/or the flange to enhance the retention strength of the assembly. The spacer may be reconfigured in a number of ways to provide the appropriate combination of resistance against axial pressure and torsion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.