Mechanical assembly retention element
US8328487B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/455
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship. The first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body, and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components. The retention element comprises: an elastromeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge which spans a portion of the aperture. The protuberance also has an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at the distal edge and together define a flexible free end. Upon insertion of the second component into the aperture of the first component, the free end of the protuberance flexes in the direction of insertion such that the force required to assemble the two components is less than the force required to disassemble the two components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.