Lobular elastic tube alignment system for providing precise four-way alignment of components
US9303667B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/1624
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An elastically averaged alignment system includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment element fixedly disposed with respect to the first alignment member. The second component includes a second alignment member and an alignment feature fixedly disposed with respect to the second alignment member. The elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment feature. The elastically deformable alignment element includes a lobular hollow tube having a cross-section having at least three outwardly oriented lobes relative to a central axis of the hollow tube, and the alignment feature includes a circular aperture. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element when inserted into the alignment feature elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first alignment member with the second alignment member in four planar orthogonal directions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.