SNAP FIT MAGNETIC SHIELDS FOR LASER GYROSCOPES

摘要

Interconnection mechanisms for a laser gyroscape assembly (10) enable it to be rapidly and non-harmfully assembled and disassembled prior to a more durable interconnection, to facilitate repair and rework. The assembly includes a fiber optic spool (12), an inner shield (16) and an outer shield (18), which are formed of a stress-annealed magnetic and generally malleable material. The outer shield comprises upper and lower portions or parts (30, 32) whose first and second end segments (62, 66) respectively terminate the portions. Segments (66) has angled intersecting conical surfaces (74, 76) which engage surfaces (65, 67) on segment (62). Stops (80, 83) are formed respectively on the ends of the segments so that a distal end (68) contacts an interior ledge surface (80) of outer shield (34), thereby to limit the mutual engagement and to center the segment configuration interfit. The position and location of the stop allows the intersecting edges of surface (65, 67) of outer shield (34) to precisely contact revers taper segment (76) of surface (70) at a point beneath intersection (78) to ensure positive retention and mechanical locking of the upper and lower portions of outer shield (18). A plurality of notches (84) are positioned evently about the periphery of the lower portion of the outer shield at its intersection of the upper portion. Tangs (90, 92) of a tool (88) are inserted in seriatim within the spaces for gradual disassembly of the upper and lower outer shield portions without harm thereto. Inner shield (16) includes a cover (28) having two pairs of projections (130, 132) which can snap together, and a top annular segment (126) which is engageable with a centering projection (138) on end (26) of the spool. When the cover is secured to the spool, the top annular segment is flexed, but not deformed, to provide a spring bias and positive retention and, consequently, a solid and chatter-resistant engagement in a robust mechanical connection even under severe dynamic environments.