ELASTICALLY AVERAGED ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component comprising a tubular alignment member, a second component comprising 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, and a third component comprising a locking member configured for insertion into the alignment member. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material that elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation. The locking member is an elastically deformable material such that when the locking member is inserted into the alignment member, the locking member elastically deforms and forces the alignment member outward toward the inner wall to facilitate securing the first component to the second component in the desired orientation.

主权项

1. An elastically averaged alignment system comprising:
a first component comprising a tubular alignment member; a second component comprising 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; and a third component comprising a locking member configured for insertion into the alignment member, wherein the alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture and/or the locking member is inserted into the alignment member, 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, and wherein the locking member is an elastically deformable material such that when the locking member is inserted into the alignment member, the locking member elastically deforms and forces the alignment member outward toward the inner wall to facilitate securing the first component to the second component in the desired orientation.