ALIGNMENT AND RETENTION SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PRECISE ALIGNMENT AND RETENTION OF COMPONENTS

摘要

An elastically averaged alignment and retention system includes a first alignment member having an elastically deformable alignment and retention feature, and a second alignment member having an alignment element. The elastically deformable alignment and retention feature has an elastically deformable wall with an opening that defines an entry port, distal and proximal ends, and a retention portion. The alignment element has an alignment projection with distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the alignment projection being larger than the proximal end of the alignment projection. The elastically deformable wall is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage and retain the alignment projection. Portions of the elastically deformable wall when engaged with the alignment projection 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.

主权项

1. An elastically averaged alignment and retention system, comprising:
a first component comprising a first alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment and retention feature fixedly disposed with respect to the first alignment member, the elastically deformable alignment and retention feature comprising an elastically deformable wall having an opening that defines an entry port, and having a distal end disposed at a distance from the first alignment member, a proximal end disposed proximate the first alignment member, and a retention portion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end; a second component comprising a second alignment member and an alignment element fixedly disposed with respect to the second alignment member, the alignment element comprising an alignment projection having a distal end disposed at a distance from the second alignment member, and a proximal end disposed proximate the second alignment member, the distal end of the alignment projection being larger than the proximal end of the alignment projection; wherein the elastically deformable wall is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage and retain the alignment projection, the distal end of the alignment projection being received by the entry port and retained by the retention portion of the elastically deformable wall; and wherein portions of the elastically deformable wall when engaged with the alignment projection 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.