Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080206604 | Washer Fluid System for Fuel Cell Vehicles - A washer fluid system provides washer fluid by blending concentrated washer fluid with waste water produced in the operation of a fuel cell. The concentrated washer fluid is stored in a replenishable container. A mixing pump automatically meters the appropriate ratio of concentrated washer fluid to water (i.e., 1:10), preferably by a dual chamber arrangement, wherein the waste water from the fuel cell and the concentrated washer fluid are drawn from their respective sources and mixed, creating a mixed washer fluid having the proper ratio of water to washer fluid concentrate. In a first embodiment, the system creates the mixed washer fluid in real-time on demand of the wiper system; in a second embodiment a storage reservoir holds mixed washer fluid for stand-by use of the wiper system. | 08-28-2008 |
20080246296 | Static-Reducing Vehicle Seat - A vehicle seat is provided having at least one seat cushion for carrying a vehicle occupant, and having a static-reducing device positioned in sufficient proximity to the occupant for dissipating an electrostatic charge from the seat. The static-reducing device includes conductive threading woven into the seat cushion or into piping along the seat cushion seams, conductive wiring connected to the base to form a conductive path for dissipating the electrostatic charge, or a humidity-absorbing layer. A vehicle is also provided having a floor and a vehicle seat having a cushion and a base mounted to the floor. The cushion is operatively connected to the base and has a static-reducing device adapted to reduce electrostatic charge of the seat to thereby minimize the electrostatic discharge between the seat and a passenger when the passenger exits the vehicle, the static-reducing device including conductive threading, conductive wiring, or a humidity-absorbing mat. | 10-09-2008 |
20080252091 | Cargo Retention Device and Method - A device and method is provided for retaining cargo within a vehicle passenger compartment including a retaining portion and a vehicle seat having a lower seat portion, an upper back portion, and a frame. The retaining portion comprises a strap or mat which is operatively attached at one end to a front portion of the vehicle seat, while the other end is accessible within a bite line formed between the mating seat and back portions. The retaining portion is connectable to a front portion of the vehicle seat by means of either an open-ended hook or a snap-hook and an anchor, or by a snap fastener, the retaining portion being configured to secure cargo with respect to one of the seat portions. The device also includes a retractor mechanism such as a spring and spool operable to retract the retaining portion into the bite line for stowage. | 10-16-2008 |
20080277177 | Wiring System and Method for a Rearview Mirror - A wiring system and method are provided for an automobile having a windshield, a headliner, an auxiliary system, and a rearview mirror having a function and control mechanism associated with the auxiliary system. The wiring system includes a first interface coupled to the rearview mirror, and at least one conductor coupled to the first interface for coupling the auxiliary system to the function and control mechanism of the rearview mirror. A portion of the at least one conductor extends from the headliner to the first interface and at least half of the portion of the at least one conductor is bonded to the windshield. | 11-13-2008 |
20080284195 | Vehicle Seat Assembly - A vehicle includes a seat assembly and a floor. The seat assembly includes a lower seat member operatively connected to the floor, a seatback member operatively connected to the lower seat member, and a head restraint operatively connected to the seatback member. The seat assembly is characterized by an occupiable configuration and a stowed configuration. The seat assembly is configured such that movement of the seat assembly from its occupiable configuration to its stowed configuration causes the head restraint to rotate in a first direction and then a second direction. | 11-20-2008 |
20080294314 | Obstruction Detection Device for Vehicle Door and Method - An obstruction detection device for a motor vehicle having a door assembly movably connected to a vehicle body is provided. The device controls the vehicle door's opening angle to prevent inadvertent contact with an object foreign to the vehicle, while providing the largest opening for vehicle ingress and egress. The obstruction detection device includes a controller that is operatively connected to at least one sensor configured to actively monitor and transmit signals to the controller indicative of the presence and corresponding proximity of the object relative to the door assembly. An actuator is operatively connected to and controlled by the controller. The actuator is configured to apply a selectively variable force that restricts the movement of the vehicle door assembly with respect to the vehicle body when the door is a predetermined distance from the object. | 11-27-2008 |
20090001787 | Ionized Air System and Method for Dissipating an Electrostatic Charge in a Vehicle - An apparatus is provided for dissipating an electrostatic charge from a vehicle seat and from an occupant seated thereon, wherein a blower directs ionized air through a vent toward the seat and occupant to neutralize an electrostatic charge accumulated on the surface and occupant. A sensor is configured to detect when the occupant is separating from the vehicle seat, and to activate the ionizer in response thereto. The apparatus also includes a seat cooling system for directing cool air through the seat, wherein a blower directs ionized air through vent holes in the seat when the cooling system is operating. A method is also provided for dissipating an electrostatic charge from a vehicle seat and an occupant seated thereon, including generating ionized air, sensing separation of a passenger from the seat, and directing ionized air toward the seat and occupant through one or more vents to dissipate the static charge. | 01-01-2009 |
20090206581 | Airbag System - An embodiment of an airbag system includes a cavity configured to store an airbag, wherein the cavity has an aperture that provides an outlet for the airbag during deployment. The embodiment also includes a cover releasably attached over the aperture via an attachment mechanism having an initial attachment strength. The initial attachment strength is configured to reduce to a release attachment strength in response to receipt of a release signal at the attachment mechanism. | 08-20-2009 |
20090218858 | MANIPULABLE SEAT BOLSTER UTILIZING ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATION - A manipulable seat bolster including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause or enable a condition, such as the geometric configuration, or position of the bolster to be modified, when the active material is activated. | 09-03-2009 |
20090218859 | ADJUSTABLE SEAT RAMP UTILIZING ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATION - An adjustable seat ramp adapted for use with a seat base and defining a first angle of inclination, includes a structure translatably disposed within or integrally formed with the base and presenting a first position, and further includes an actuator employing a shape memory material element and configured to cause the structure to translate to a second position, wherein a second angle of inclination is defined. | 09-03-2009 |
20100194081 | INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITH DEPLOYMENT TRAJECTORY CONTROLLER - An inflatable restraint system for selectively restraining an occupant of a motorized vehicle is presented herein. The inflatable restraint system includes a bladder having forward and rearward panel portions. The bladder is attached to the vehicle instrument panel, and configured to transition from a non-expanded state, in which the rearward panel portion is substantially flush with respect to the instrument panel, to an expanded state, in which the rearward panel portion is extended into the passenger compartment distal from the instrument panel. An inflation device is operatively coupled to the bladder, and configured to selectively transition the bladder from the non-expanded state to the expanded state. One or more trajectory control arms are attached at one end to the bladder, and a second end to the vehicle. The trajectory control arms are configured to redirect the bladder along an upward, arcuate path when transitioning to the expanded state. | 08-05-2010 |
20100273041 | TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system for managing the temperature of a battery, the battery having a first outer surface, is provided. The system comprises a first reservoir coupled to the first outer surface of the battery, and a first phase change material thermally coupled with the first outer surface of the battery, and retained by the first reservoir. | 10-28-2010 |
20130019454 | Elastic Tube Alignment System for Precisely Locating an Emblem Lens To an Outer Bezel - An elastic tube alignment system for the mating an emblem lens to an outer bezel utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment features are disposed on a first side of the emblem lens, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment features are provided in the outer bezel. During the mating, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns the emblem lens with respect to the outer bezel. | 01-24-2013 |
20130019455 | Elastic Tube Alignment System For Precisely Locating Components - An elastic tube alignment system for the mating of components utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment features are disposed on a first component, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment features are provided on a second component. During the mating of the components, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns the components. | 01-24-2013 |
20130157015 | Precisely Locating Components in an Infrared Welded Assembly - Elastic averaging infrared welded assembly. A first component has left and right longitudinal sidewalls. A second component has a plurality of localized locating features at each of the left and right longitudinal sides thereof which abut the left and right sidewalls of the first component so as to cause the left and right sidewalls to flex outwardly so as to precisely self-align by elastic averaging the first and second components. The mutually abutting ribs are conjoined, preferably by infrared welding. | 06-20-2013 |
20130287992 | Stiffened Multi-Layer Compartment Door Assembly Utilizing Elastic Averaging - A stiffened multi-layer assembly composed of an inner layer and an outer layer mutually aligned by elastic averaging at the peripheral interface therebetween which provides both a precise alignment and a torsionally stiffened structural configuration when the first and second layers are mutually mated and snapped together to form the stiffened multi-layer assembly. | 10-31-2013 |
20140033493 | Semi-Circular Alignment Features of an Elastic Averaging Alignment System - A semi-circular male alignment feature elastic averaging alignment system utilizing a plurality of semi-circular male alignment features which interface by elastic averaging with a plurality of female alignment features, wherein semi-circular male alignment features of a first component are received during a mating process by respective female alignment features formed in a second component, whereby precise alignment of the first and second components and stiffness are provided by elastic averaging of the male and female alignment features. | 02-06-2014 |
20140041176 | Elastic Cantilever Beam Alignment System for Precisely Aligning Components - An elastic cantilever beam alignment system for the precise mating of first and second components. A first elastic cantilever beam protrudes in parallel from the first component and is elastically over-constrained by two mutually spaced alignment walls of the second component. A second elastic cantilever beam is upstanding in perpendicular relation to the first component and is elastically deformed with respect to a cammed aperture of the second component. | 02-13-2014 |
20140041185 | ELASTIC TUBE ALIGNMENT AND ATTACHMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRECISELY LOCATING AND ATTACHING COMPONENTS - An elastic tube alignment system for the mating of components utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment and attachment features are disposed on a first component, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment and attachment features are provided on a second component. During the mating of the components, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns and attaches the components. | 02-13-2014 |
20140041199 | ALIGNMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - An alignment system for aligning components includes a first component, a second component, upstanding, elongated tabs connected to at least one of the components, each elongated tab having a tab wall, and deformable elongated tab apertures formed in at least one of the components, each deformable tab aperture comprising opposing deformable aperture walls. The apertures are geometrically distributed in coordinated relationship to a geometrical distribution of the elongated tabs such that each elongated tab is receivable into a respective aperture and each tab has a width larger than a cross-sectional width of its respective aperture measured in a same direction. Each aperture is configured to elastically deform upon disposition of each elongated tab into its respective tab aperture at an interface between the tab wall and the aperture wall. | 02-13-2014 |
20140047691 | ELASTIC CONVEX WALL ALIGNMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRECISELY LOCATING COMPONENTS - An elastic convex wall alignment system for aligning components includes a first component and a second component. The system also has a plurality of upstanding elastic convex walls disposed on at least one of the components, the convex walls each having a convex wall surface and a non-convex wall surface. The system further has a plurality of apertures formed in at least one of the components, each aperture having an aperture wall, the plurality of apertures geometrically distributed in coordinated relationship to a geometrical distribution of the plurality of elastic convex walls such that each elastic convex wall is receivable into a respective aperture, wherein when each elastic convex wall is received into its respective aperture an elastic deformation occurs at an interface between the convex wall and the aperture wall, and wherein the elastic deformation is elastically averaged over the plurality of elastic convex walls. | 02-20-2014 |
20140047697 | ELASTIC TUBE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRECISELY LOCATING MULTIPLE COMPONENTS - An alignment system includes first, second and third components. A plurality of upstanding elastic tubes, each having a tube wall, extending from the first component. A plurality of apertures, each having an aperture wall, is formed in the second component and the third component, the plurality of apertures are geometrically distributed in coordinated relationship to a geometrical distribution of the plurality of elastic tubes such that each elastic tube is receivable into a respective aperture. When each elastic tube is received into its respective aperture an elastic deformation occurs at an interface between the tube wall and the aperture wall. The elastic deformation is responsive to each tube wall having a diameter larger than a cross-section of its respective aperture. The elastic deformation is elastic averaged over the plurality of elastic tubes such that the first component is precisely located relative to the second component and the third component. | 02-20-2014 |
20140157578 | ELASTIC TUBE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR PRECISELY LOCATING COMPONENTS - An elastic tube alignment system for the mating of components utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment features are disposed on a first component, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment features are provided on a second component. During the mating of the components, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns the components. | 06-12-2014 |
20140159412 | ELASTIC TUBE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR PRECISELY LOCATING COMPONENTS - An elastic tube alignment system for the mating of components utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment features are disposed on a first component, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment features are provided on a second component. During the mating of the components, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns the components. | 06-12-2014 |
20140208561 | ELASTIC ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY FOR ALIGNING MATED COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF REDUCING POSTIONAL VARIATION - An elastic alignment assembly includes a first component having a first engagement surface. Also included is a second component having a second engagement surface and is configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a receiving feature formed in at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. Yet further included is a protrusion comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the protrusion extending away from at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, the protrusion formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform at a first interface and a second interface upon contact with the receiving feature, wherein the first interface is located proximate the first sidewall and the receiving feature, and wherein the second interface is located proximate the second sidewall and the receiving feature. | 07-31-2014 |
20140220267 | ELASTIC ALIGNMENT AND RETENTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An elastic convex wall alignment and retention system includes a first component, second component, a plurality of elastic convex walls disposed on at least one of the first component and second component each having a convex wall surface, non-convex wall surface and a longitudinal axis and a pair of spaced-apart, retention features that oppose one another about the axis, each retention feature extending outwardly from the convex wall surface; and a plurality of apertures formed in at least one of the first component and second component, each aperture having an aperture wall, the plurality of apertures configured and arranged such that each elastic convex wall is receivable into a respective aperture, wherein each elastic convex wall is configured to elastically deform at an interface between the convex wall and the aperture wall upon insertion to establish an elastically averaged position of the first component to the second component. | 08-07-2014 |
20140264206 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE CONDUIT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF FITTINGLY RETAINING WIRES - An elastically deformable conduit assembly includes a conduit comprising an outer surface and formed of an elastically deformable material, the conduit configured to deform from a relaxed condition to an elastically deformed condition. Also included is a mating component configured to engage the outer surface of the conduit in the elastically deformed condition. | 09-18-2014 |
20140292013 | Elastically Averaged Alignment System - An elastically averaged alignment system includes a first alignment portion comprising an alignment member and a first plurality of elastically deformable alignment elements. The alignment system also includes a second alignment portion comprising an elastically deformable alignment member configured and disposed to be received by and deformably and matingly engaged with the alignment member and a second plurality of elastically deformable alignment elements configured and disposed to deformably and matingly engage the first plurality of deformable alignment elements, wherein the engagement of the alignment member and deformable member and first plurality of elastically deformable alignment elements and the second plurality of elastically deformable alignment elements elastically average a predetermined position of the second alignment portion relative to the first alignment portion. | 10-02-2014 |
20140298638 | ELASTIC CLIP RETAINING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF MATING STRUCTURES WITH AN ELASTIC CLIP RETAINING ARRANGEMENT - An elastic clip retaining arrangement includes a first structure having a main portion. Also included is a second structure having a plurality of receiving apertures, wherein the second structure is configured to be mated with the first structure. Further included is a plurality of elastically deformable clips extending from the main portion, each of the plurality of elastically deformable clips comprising a neck portion and a head portion, wherein the plurality of elastically deformable clips is configured to elastically deform proximate the neck portion upon contact with the plurality of receiving apertures. | 10-09-2014 |
20140298640 | ELASTIC RETAINING ASSEMBLY FOR MATABLE COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING - An elastic retaining assembly for matable components includes a first component having a first surface. Also included is a second component having a second surface and a third surface, wherein the second component is configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a receiving feature formed proximate an engagement side of the second component and defining a pin perimeter surface. Yet further included is an elastically deformable pin operatively coupled to, and extending away from, the first surface, wherein the elastically deformable pin is formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform proximate the pin perimeter surface upon contact with the receiving feature. | 10-09-2014 |
20140298962 | ELASTIC AVERAGING ALIGNMENT SYSTEM, METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME AND CUTTING PUNCH THEREFOR - An elastic averaging alignment system includes a first component comprising a surface, a thickness and a plurality of elastically deformable apertures spaced apart on the surface and extending through the thickness, each of the elastically deformable apertures comprising an aperture peripheral shape and having at least one slit extending radially-outwardly therefrom defining at least one elastically deformable wedge member. A method of making a component alignment system includes providing a first component having a surface and a thickness. The method also includes forming a plurality of alignment features through the thickness of the first component, the alignment features comprising a plurality of elastically deformable apertures spaced-apart on the surface and extending through the thickness, each of the elastically deformable apertures comprising an aperture peripheral shape and having at least one slit extending radially-outwardly therefrom defining at least one elastically deformable wedge member. | 10-09-2014 |
20140300130 | ELASTIC RETAINING ARRANGEMENT FOR JOINTED COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF REDUCING A GAP BETWEEN JOINTED COMPONENTS - A retaining arrangement includes a first component having a first main body portion and a first interface edge. Also included is a second component operatively coupled to the first component, the second component comprising a second main body portion, a second interface edge in contact with the first interface edge, and an end portion in an overlapped configuration with the first main body portion of the first component. Further included is an aperture defined by an aperture wall and extending through the end portion of the second component. Yet further included is an elastically deformable protrusion extending away from the first main body portion of the first component, the elastically deformable protrusion configured to fittingly engage the aperture proximate an end region of the aperture wall, wherein the elastically deformable protrusion is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the aperture wall. | 10-09-2014 |
20140301103 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE FLANGE LOCATOR ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF REDUCING POSITIONAL VARIATION - An elastically deformable flange locator arrangement includes a first component having a first engagement surface. Also included is a second component configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a first portion of the second component. Yet further included is a second portion of the second component extending relatively perpendicularly from the first portion proximate a perimeter of the first portion, the second portion having a second engagement surface, wherein the second portion is configured to elastically deform at a first interface upon contact between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. | 10-09-2014 |
20140301777 | ELASTIC TUBULAR ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY FOR MATING COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF MATING COMPONENTS - An elastic tubular attachment assembly for mating components is provided. The elastic tubular attachment assembly includes a first component having a first surface. Also included is a second component having a second surface, a third surface, and at least one aperture, wherein the second surface is configured to align and engage with the first surface of the first component. Further included is at least one elastically deformable tubular member operatively coupled to the first component proximate the first surface, the at least one elastically deformable tubular member comprising an outer surface, wherein the at least one elastically deformable tubular member is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform radially inwardly upon contact with at least one aperture wall of the second component. | 10-09-2014 |
20140301778 | ELASTIC MATING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ELASTICALLY ASSEMBLING MATABLE COMPONENTS - An elastic mating assembly includes a first component comprising a substantially rigid material and an aperture defined by an aperture wall. The assembly also includes an elastically deformable second component having a cutout portion. The elastically deformable second component also includes a second component outer wall removably engaged with the aperture wall, wherein the second component is disposed substantially within the aperture. The elastic mating assembly further includes a third component removably engaged with the cutout portion of the elastically deformable second component, wherein the elastically deformable second component is configured to elastically deform proximate the cutout portion upon contact with an outer surface of the third component. | 10-09-2014 |
20140360824 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF MANAGING ENERGY ABSORPTION - An elastically deformable energy management arrangement includes a first component comprising a first surface and a second surface. Also included is a protrusion extending from the second surface of the first component and having an outer surface, the protrusion at least partially formed of an elastically deformable material. Further included is a second component in slideable engagement with the outer surface of the protrusion and spaced from the second surface of the first component. | 12-11-2014 |
20140360826 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANAGING ENERGY ABSORPTION - An elastically deformable energy management assembly includes a first component. Also included is at least one protrusion extending from the first component, the at least one protrusion having an outer surface. Further included is a second component comprising at least one aperture defined by an aperture wall, the aperture wall in slideable engagement with the outer surface of the at least one protrusion, wherein at least one of the protrusion and the aperture wall comprises an elastically deformable material. | 12-11-2014 |
20140366326 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE RETAINING HOOK FOR COMPONENTS TO BE MATED TOGETHER AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING - An elastically deformable retaining hook for matable components includes a first component having a body portion extending from a first end to a second end. Also included is a second component extending from a first end to a second end. Further included is a slot disposed in the first end of the second component and defined by a first, second, third, and fourth slot wall. Yet further included is a hook portion disposed proximate the first end of the body portion. The hook portion includes a first segment extending angularly from the body portion. The hook portion also includes a second segment extending angularly from the first segment and configured to fittingly engage the slot of the second component, wherein the second segment is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the first slot wall and the second slot wall. | 12-18-2014 |
20140369742 | ELASTIC ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF REDUCING POSITIONAL VARIATION AND INCREASING STIFFNESS - An elastic attachment assembly is provided. The elastic attachment assembly includes a first component having a base outer surface. Also included is a plurality of elastically deformable protrusions extending from the base outer surface of the first component. Further included is a second component having a pocket portion configured to receive the first component therein, the pocket portion defined by a base wall and at least one sidewall extending from the base wall. Yet further included is a plurality of receiving structures defined by the base wall of the pocket portion and configured to receive the plurality of elastically deformable protrusions, wherein the plurality of elastically deformable protrusions is configured to elastically deform upon insertion to the plurality of receiving structures. | 12-18-2014 |
20140369743 | ELASTIC RETAINING ASSEMBLY FOR MATABLE COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING - An elastic retaining assembly for matable components includes a first component having a first surface. Also included is a second component configured to be mated with the first component, the second component comprising a second surface. Further included is a receiving feature formed proximate an engagement side of the second component, the receiving feature having a first degree of curvature. Yet further included is an elastically deformable protrusion operatively coupled to, and extending away from, the first component, the elastically deformable protrusion having a second degree of curvature distinct from the first degree of curvature of the receiving feature, wherein the elastically deformable protrusion is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the receiving feature. | 12-18-2014 |
20150016864 | ALIGNMENT ARRANGEMENT FOR MATED COMPONENTS AND METHOD - An alignment arrangement for mated components includes a first component having a first and second elastically deformable protrusion. Also included is a second component operatively coupled to the first component, the second component comprising a first and second slot, each of the slots defined by a first slot sidewall segment, a second slot sidewall segment, an inner slot wall segment and an outer slot wall segment, the first and second slot disposed in a substantially coaxial alignment. The elastically deformable protrusions are each disposed in a contact interference condition with the inner slot wall segment or the outer slot wall segment of the respective first slot and second slot, thereby reducing relative movement between the first and second components, wherein the elastically deformable protrusions are each formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the inner or outer slot wall segment. | 01-15-2015 |
20150023724 | LOBULAR ELASTIC TUBE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PRECISE FOUR-WAY ALIGNMENT OF COMPONENTS - 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. | 01-22-2015 |
20150043959 | ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PRECISE ALIGNMENT AND RETENTION OF COMPONENTS OF A SEALABLE COMPARTMENT - 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. | 02-12-2015 |
20150050068 | ELASTICALLY AVERAGED ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF - In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component comprising an alignment member and a second component comprising an inner wall defining an alignment aperture. The alignment aperture is configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. At least one of the alignment member and the inner wall is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, at least one of the alignment member and the inner wall elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation | 02-19-2015 |
20150052725 | ELASTIC AVERAGING ALIGNMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An elastic averaging alignment system includes a first component having at least one wall member defining a thickness between opposing faces thereof, and a second component having a component surface with at least one receiver protruding therefrom, each of the at least one receiver having a first receiver wall with a first engagement surface and a second receiver wall with a second engagement surface, the first and the second engagement surfaces are positioned a distance apart less than the thickness such that at least one of the first and the second receiver walls elastically deform in response to having the at least one wall member positioned between the first and the second receiver walls. | 02-26-2015 |
20150056009 | ELASTIC AVERAGING SNAP MEMBER ALIGNING AND FASTENING SYSTEM - An elastically averaging snap member aligning and fastening system has a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first body having a first surface portion and a second surface portion, the first body including one or more apertures extending between the first and second surface portions. The second component includes a second body having a first surface section and a second surface section, the second body including one or more elastically averaging snap members provided on one of the first and second surface sections. Each of the one or more elastically averaging snap members include a plurality of cantilevered snap elements configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably, elastically and matingly engage with corresponding ones of the one or more apertures. | 02-26-2015 |
20150063943 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE ALIGNMENT FASTENER AND SYSTEM - An elastically deformable alignment fastener has the form of a unitary object having a head portion and an integrally formed body portion. The body portion has an elastically deformable lobular hollow tube having a proximal end proximate the head portion and a distal end axially displaced from the head portion. The lobular hollow tube has an outer surface having one or more retention features oriented to provide a plurality of radially extending engagement surfaces along a length of the hollow tube. The head portion has a flange that circumscribes the proximal end of the lobular hollow tube. Portions of the elastically deformable lobular hollow tube when inserted into circular apertures of first and second components elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first and second components in four planar orthogonal directions. | 03-05-2015 |
20150069779 | ELASTIC TUBE ALIGNMENT AND FASTENING SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PRECISE ALIGNMENT AND FASTENING OF COMPONENTS - An elastically averaged alignment system includes a first component having a first alignment member, an attachment element, and a support element, and a second component having a second alignment member, an alignment aperture, and an engagement surface that engages with the support element. The attachment element includes an attachment portion and an elastically deformable alignment element portion. The elastically deformable alignment element portion is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment aperture. The attachment portion includes a hollow tube having a first wall thickness, and the elastically deformable alignment element portion includes a hollow tube having a second wall thickness less than the first wall thickness. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element portion when inserted into the alignment aperture elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first alignment member with the second alignment member in at least two planar orthogonal directions. | 03-12-2015 |
20150078805 | ELASTICALLY AVERAGED ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component including an alignment member, the alignment member including a plurality of segments. The system also includes a second component including an inner wall defining an alignment aperture, the alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation. | 03-19-2015 |
20150086265 | SERVICEABLE ALIGNING AND SELF-RETAINING ELASTIC ARRANGEMENT FOR MATED COMPONENTS AND METHOD - A serviceable self-retaining elastic arrangement for mated components includes a first component having at least one protrusion having a retaining rib circumferentially extending around an outer surface of the at least one protrusion. Also included is a second component having at least one elastically deformable beam. Further included is at least one aperture defined by the at least one elastically deformable beam, the at least one aperture configured to receive the at least one protrusion therein and having at least one aperture dimension smaller than at least one protrusion dimension, wherein the at least one elastically deformable beam is elastically deformed in an engaged condition of the at least one protrusion with the at least one elastically deformable beam. | 03-26-2015 |