Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods

摘要

In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The alignment system includes a first component including at least one corner region having an alignment member, and a second component including at least one corner region having 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. 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 corner regions of the first and second components in a desired orientation.

主权项

1. An elastically averaged alignment system comprising:
a first component comprising at least one corner region having an alignment member comprising a proximal end extending from an inner surface of the first component; and a second component comprising at least one corner region having an inner wall defining an alignment aperture extending into an inner face of the second component, the alignment aperture comprising a pair of opposed walls configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component, wherein at least one of the proximal end of the alignment member and the inner wall of the alignment aperture includes a curved portion; and wherein the alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, an interference fit is formed between the alignment member and the opposed walls of the alignment aperture along the at least one curved portion, and the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the corner regions of the first and second components in a desired orientation.