Elastically averaged strap systems and methods

摘要

In one aspect, an elastic averaging strap system for securing an object to a component having an aperture is provided. The system includes a strap having a first end and a second end. The strap second end couples to the strap first end such that the strap forms a loop around the object to retain the object therein. An alignment member extends from the first end, and the alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the component aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate positioning the object in a desired orientation relative to the component.

主权项

1. An elastic averaging strap system for securing an object to a component having an aperture, the system comprising:
a strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the strap second end couples to the strap first end such that the strap forms a loop around the object to retain the object therein; an alignment member extending from the first end, wherein the alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the component aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate positioning the object in a desired orientation relative to the component; and a receiving member extending from the strap first end and defining a receiving slot, the receiving slot configured to receive and secure the strap second end to form the loop surrounding the object, wherein the strap second end is fabricated from an elastic material and at least a portion of the strap second end has a cross-section larger than a cross-section of the receiving slot, the strap second end configured to be stretched by a force such that the second end large cross-section is reduced for insertion through the receiving slot and the large cross-section expands after insertion through the receiving slot and removal of the stretching force to secure the strap within the receiving member.