Patent · US Active

Snap fit assembly for a ruggedized multi-section structure with selective embrittlement or case hardening

US9738948B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
1References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 31, 2016
Grant dateAug 22, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 31, 2036

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF42B12/24
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus and methods associated with an enclosure or structure including two sections that are adapted with a snap-fit interlocking structure. Various embodiments of the enclosure or structures are formed with various case hardening or embrittlement processes to increase embrittlement or hardness of the enclosure or structure so as to create a structure or enclosure which has a desired fragmentation capacity while still maintaining sufficient material properties to permit snap-fit insertion of one section into another section and withstand substantial impacts. Embodiments also provide an interlocking structure that minimizes differences in fragmentation or fracturing capacity as contrasted with other portions of the structure or enclosure. An embodiment of the invention includes an enclosure where one section of the enclosure or structure has a first thickness and the second section has a second thickness, wherein the first and second thicknesses are different. In some embodiments, one section is thinner than another section.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.