公开(公告)号：US20140298962A1

公开(公告)日：2014-10-09

申请号：US13855928

申请日：2013-04-03

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Steven E. Morris ,  Jennifer P. Lawall ,  Joel Colombo ,  Jeffrey L. Konchan

IPC: B26F1/14

CPC classification number: B26F1/14 ,  Y10T83/04 ,  Y10T83/8878 ,  Y10T83/9428

Abstract: An elastic averaging alignment system includes a first component comprising a surface, a thickness and a plurality of elastically deformable apertures spaced apart on the surface and extending through the thickness, each of the elastically deformable apertures comprising an aperture peripheral shape and having at least one slit extending radially-outwardly therefrom defining at least one elastically deformable wedge member. A method of making a component alignment system includes providing a first component having a surface and a thickness. The method also includes forming a plurality of alignment features through the thickness of the first component, the alignment features comprising a plurality of elastically deformable apertures spaced-apart on the surface and extending through the thickness, each of the elastically deformable apertures comprising an aperture peripheral shape and having at least one slit extending radially-outwardly therefrom defining at least one elastically deformable wedge member.

Abstract translation: 弹性平均对准系统包括第一部件，其包括在表面上间隔开并延伸穿过厚度的表面，厚度和多个可弹性变形的孔，每个可弹性变形的孔包括孔周边形状并且具有至少一个狭缝 从其径向向外延伸，限定至少一个可弹性变形的楔形构件。 制造部件对准系统的方法包括提供具有表面和厚度的第一部件。 该方法还包括通过第一部件的厚度形成多个对准特征，对准特征包括在表面上间隔开并延伸穿过厚度的多个可弹性变形的孔，每个可弹性变形的孔包括孔周边 并且具有至少一个沿其径向向外延伸的狭缝，限定至少一个可弹性变形的楔形构件。

公开(公告)号：US20140041185A1

公开(公告)日：2014-02-13

申请号：US13956813

申请日：2013-08-01

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Steven E. Morris ,  Edward D. Groninger ,  Raymond J. Chess

IPC: F16B17/00

CPC classification number: F16B17/00 ,  F16B5/02 ,  F16B19/02 ,  Y10T29/49778 ,  Y10T403/1616

Abstract: An elastic tube alignment system for the mating of components utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment and attachment features are disposed on a first component, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment and attachment features are provided on a second component. During the mating of the components, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns and attaches the components.

Abstract translation: 弹性管对准系统，用于使用弹性平均原理来配合部件。 多个几何分离的弹性管（阳）对准和附接特征设置在第一部件上，而在第二部件上设置多个一对一相应的孔（母）对准和附接特征。 在组件的配合期间，每个弹性管及其相应的孔提供弹性变形，平均来说，这些变形精确对准和附接组件。

公开(公告)号：US09863454B2

公开(公告)日：2018-01-09

申请号：US14104333

申请日：2013-12-12

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Steven E. Morris ,  Christopher J. Georgi ,  Jennifer P. Lawall ,  Gordan N. Noll

IPC: B23P19/04 ,  B23P19/10 ,  F16B17/00 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B60K15/05 ,  B60R11/00 ,  F16B5/06

CPC classification number: F16B17/00 ,  B60K15/05 ,  B60K2015/053 ,  B60K2015/0553 ,  B60L11/1809 ,  B60R11/00 ,  F16B5/065 ,  F16B5/0664 ,  Y10T403/1624

Abstract: An elastically averaging alignment and retention system for a sealable compartment includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment element fixedly disposed with respect to the first alignment member, the elastically deformable alignment element having an elongated hollow tube. The second component includes a second alignment member and an alignment feature fixedly disposed with respect to the second alignment member, the alignment feature having a blind-end pocket. The elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment feature. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element when inserted into the alignment feature 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.

公开(公告)号：US09657807B2

公开(公告)日：2017-05-23

申请号：US14259747

申请日：2014-04-23

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Steven E. Morris ,  Jennifer P. Lawall

IPC: F16F15/08 ,  F16B21/08 ,  F16B5/06

CPC classification number: F16F15/08 ,  F16B5/0628 ,  F16B5/0657 ,  F16B21/084

Abstract: An elastic averaging system for mated components comprises an inner panel and an outer panel disposed in a spaced configuration. An elastically deformable stand is fixed to and extends from the first panel towards the second panel. The elastically deformable stand comprises a side wall that forms a partial enclosure having a closure surface defining a top surface that faces the outer panel. A flexible wing extends outwardly from the sidewall. A receiver member extends outwardly from the outer panel towards the corresponding inner panel and comprises side walls extending forming a partial enclosure that is configured to receive the elastically deformable stand. The elastically deformable stand is configured to elastically deform as said stand enters the partial enclosure of the receiver member and moves toward a fully engaged position.

公开(公告)号：US09556890B2

公开(公告)日：2017-01-31

申请号：US13755759

申请日：2013-01-31

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Joel Colombo ,  Michael D. Richardson ,  Steven E. Morris

IPC: F16B1/00 ,  F16B19/02 ,  B60R13/00

CPC classification number: F16B1/0071 ,  B60R13/005 ,  F16B19/02 ,  Y10T29/4978 ,  Y10T403/20

Abstract: An elastic alignment assembly includes a first component having a first engagement surface. Also included is a second component having a second engagement surface and is configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a receiving feature formed in at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. Yet further included is a protrusion comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the protrusion extending away from at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, the protrusion formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform at a first interface and a second interface upon contact with the receiving feature, wherein the first interface is located proximate the first sidewall and the receiving feature, and wherein the second interface is located proximate the second sidewall and the receiving feature.

Abstract translation: 弹性对准组件包括具有第一接合表面的第一部件。 还包括具有第二接合表面并且被配置为与第一部件配合的第二部件。 还包括形成在第一接合表面和第二接合表面中的至少一个中的接收特征。 还包括一种突起，其包括第一侧壁和第二侧壁，突出部远离第一接合表面和第二接合表面中的至少一个延伸，突起由可弹性变形的材料形成，以在第一界面处弹性变形， 与所述接收特征接触的第二接口，其中所述第一接口位于所述第一侧壁和所述接收特征附近，并且其中所述第二接口位于所述第二侧壁和所述接收特征附近。

公开(公告)号：US09463831B2

公开(公告)日：2016-10-11

申请号：US14021282

申请日：2013-09-09

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Steven E. Morris ,  Jennifer P. Lawall

IPC: B62D27/04 ,  B62D27/06

CPC classification number: B62D27/04 ,  B62D27/065 ,  Y10T29/53

Abstract: An elastically averaged alignment system includes a first component having a first alignment member, an attachment element, and a support element, and a second component having a second alignment member, an alignment aperture, and an engagement surface that engages with the support element. The attachment element includes an attachment portion and an elastically deformable alignment element portion. The elastically deformable alignment element portion is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment aperture. The attachment portion includes a hollow tube having a first wall thickness, and the elastically deformable alignment element portion includes a hollow tube having a second wall thickness less than the first wall thickness. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element portion when inserted into the alignment aperture elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first alignment member with the second alignment member in at least two planar orthogonal directions.

Abstract translation: 弹性平均对准系统包括具有第一对准构件，附接元件和支撑元件的第一构件，以及具有第二对准构件，对准孔和与支撑元件接合的接合表面的第二构件。 附接元件包括附接部分和可弹性变形的对准元件部分。 可弹性变形的对准元件部分被配置和设置成干涉地，可变形地并配合地接合对准孔。 附接部分包括具有第一壁厚的中空管，并且可弹性变形的对准元件部分包括具有小于第一壁厚度的第二壁厚的中空管。 当插入到对准孔中时，可弹性变形的对准元件部分的部分弹性地变形为在至少两个平面正交方向上使第一对准构件与第二对准构件对准的弹性平均的最终构造。

公开(公告)号：US09463538B2

公开(公告)日：2016-10-11

申请号：US13919262

申请日：2013-06-17

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Steven E. Morris

IPC: B25B27/14 ,  B23P19/04 ,  B23P19/10 ,  F16B5/07

CPC classification number: B23P19/04 ,  B23P19/10 ,  F16B5/07 ,  Y10T29/49902 ,  Y10T29/53978

Abstract: An alignment system for aligning components includes a first component, a second component, upstanding, elongated tabs connected to at least one of the components, each elongated tab having a tab wall, and deformable elongated tab apertures formed in at least one of the components, each deformable tab aperture comprising opposing deformable aperture walls. The apertures are geometrically distributed in coordinated relationship to a geometrical distribution of the elongated tabs such that each elongated tab is receivable into a respective aperture and each tab has a width larger than a cross-sectional width of its respective aperture measured in a same direction. Each aperture is configured to elastically deform upon disposition of each elongated tab into its respective tab aperture at an interface between the tab wall and the aperture wall.

Abstract translation: 用于对准部件的对准系统包括第一部件，第二部件，连接到至少一个部件的直立的细长突出部，每个细长突片具有突出部壁，以及形成在至少一个部件中的可变形细长突出部孔， 每个可变形突片孔包括相对的可变形孔壁。 这些孔几何地几何地分布成细长突片的几何分布的协调关系，使得每个细长突片可接收到相应的孔中，并且每个突片的宽度大于在相同方向上测量的相应孔的横截面宽度。 每个孔被构造成在将每个细长突片置于其相应的突片孔之间的弹性变形时，在接头壁和孔壁之间的界面处。

公开(公告)号：US09458876B2

公开(公告)日：2016-10-04

申请号：US14012205

申请日：2013-08-28

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Steven E. Morris ,  Marc J. Tahnoose ,  Michael E. McGuire ,  Jennifer P. Lawall

IPC: F16B21/08 ,  F16B39/284 ,  F16B19/00 ,  B60R13/02

CPC classification number: F16B39/284 ,  B60R13/0206 ,  F16B19/004 ,  F16B21/086

Abstract: An elastically deformable alignment fastener has the form of a unitary object having a head portion and an integrally formed body portion. The body portion has an elastically deformable lobular hollow tube having a proximal end proximate the head portion and a distal end axially displaced from the head portion. The lobular hollow tube has an outer surface having one or more retention features oriented to provide a plurality of radially extending engagement surfaces along a length of the hollow tube. The head portion has a flange that circumscribes the proximal end of the lobular hollow tube. Portions of the elastically deformable lobular hollow tube when inserted into circular apertures of first and second components elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first and second components in four planar orthogonal directions.

Abstract translation: 可弹性变形的对准紧固件具有整体物体的形式，具有头部和整体形成的主体部分。 主体部分具有可弹性变形的小叶中空管，其具有靠近头部的近端和从头部轴向移位的远端。 小叶中空管具有外表面，该外表面具有一个或多个保持特征，其定向成沿着中空管的长度提供多个径向延伸的接合表面。 头部具有围绕小叶中空管的近端的凸缘。 当插入到第一和第二部件的圆形孔中时，可弹性变形的小叶中空管的部分弹性地变形为在四个平面正交方向上对准第一和第二部件的弹性平均的最终构型。

公开(公告)号：US09447840B2

公开(公告)日：2016-09-20

申请号：US13915177

申请日：2013-06-11

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Steven E. Morris ,  Jennifer P. Lawall ,  Randy A. Johnson

IPC: F16F7/08 ,  F16F15/08 ,  B60R21/04

CPC classification number: F16F15/08 ,  B60R21/04 ,  F16F7/087 ,  F16F2230/0076 ,  Y10T16/544 ,  Y10T24/314 ,  Y10T403/32581

Abstract: An elastically deformable energy management assembly includes a first component. Also included is at least one protrusion extending from the first component, the at least one protrusion having an outer surface. Further included is a second component comprising at least one aperture defined by an aperture wall, the aperture wall in slideable engagement with the outer surface of the at least one protrusion, wherein at least one of the protrusion and the aperture wall comprises an elastically deformable material.

Abstract translation: 可弹性变形的能量管理组件包括第一部件。 还包括从第一部件延伸的至少一个突起，该至少一个突起具有外表面。 还包括第二部件，其包括由孔壁限定的至少一个孔，所述孔壁可与所述至少一个突出部的外表面滑动接合，其中所述突起和所述孔壁中的至少一个包括可弹性变形的材料 。

公开(公告)号：US09446722B2

公开(公告)日：2016-09-20

申请号：US14134622

申请日：2013-12-19

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Steven E. Morris ,  Jennifer P. Lawall

IPC: B60R13/02 ,  F16B19/02

CPC classification number: B60R13/0206 ,  F16B5/0628 ,  F16B5/065 ,  F16B19/002 ,  F16B19/02 ,  Y10T29/49876 ,  Y10T403/75

Abstract: An elastic averaging alignment member includes a base portion, a first elastic averaging member including a first end portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the base portion to a second end portion and a second elastic averaging member spaced from the first elastic averaging member. The second elastic averaging member includes a first end section extending substantially perpendicularly from the base portion to a second end section. At least one elastic averaging element arranged between the first and second elastic averaging members. At least one of the first and second elastic averaging members and the at least one elastic averaging element is configured and disposed to deform when the elastic averaging alignment member is passed into an alignment member receiver to establish an elastically average position of one component to another component.

Abstract translation: 弹性平均对准构件包括基部，第一弹性平均构件，其包括从基部向第二端部大致垂直延伸的第一端部和与第一弹性平均构件间隔开的第二弹性平均构件。 第二弹性平均构件包括从基部到第二端部大致垂直延伸的第一端部。 布置在第一和第二弹性平均构件之间的至少一个弹性平均元件。 第一和第二弹性平均构件和至少一个弹性平均元件中的至少一个被构造和设置成当弹性平均校准构件进入对准构件接收器时变形，以建立一个构件到另一构件的弹性平均位置 。