Alignment system for providing precise alignment and retention of components of a sealable compartment
US9863454B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/1624
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An elastically averaging alignment and retention system for a sealable compartment 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 elastically deformable alignment element having an elongated hollow tube. The second component includes a second alignment member and an alignment feature fixedly disposed with respect to the second alignment member, the alignment feature having a blind-end pocket. The elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment feature. 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 component relative to the second component in at least two of four planar orthogonal directions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.