Elastic alignment assembly for aligning mated components and method of reducing positional variation

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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an elastic alignment assembly for aligning mated components, as well as a method of reducing positional variation for components of a matable assembly.

BACKGROUND

Currently, components which are to be mated together in a manufacturing process are subject to positional variation based on the mating arrangements between the components. One common arrangement includes components mutually located with respect to each other by 2-way and/or 4-way male alignment features; typically undersized structures which are received into corresponding oversized female alignment features, such as apertures in the form of holes and/or slots. Alternatively, adhesives or welding processes may be employed to mate parts. Irrespective of the precise mating method, there is a clearance between at least a portion of the alignment features which is predetermined to match anticipated size and positional variation tolerances of the mating features as a result of manufacturing (or fabrication) variances. As a result, occurrence of significant positional variation between the mated components, which contributes to the presence of undesirably large and varying gaps and otherwise poor fit, is possible. Additional undesirable effects may include squeaking and rattling of the mated components, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of reducing positional variation of a matable assembly is provided. The method includes inserting at least one protrusion of a first component into at least one receiving feature of a second component, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a protrusion width and the at least one receiving feature comprises a receiving feature width. The method also includes contacting a first sidewall and a second sidewall of the at least one protrusion with the at least one receiving feature. The method further includes elastically deforming at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall upon contacting the at least one receiving feature, wherein the elastic deforming is facilitated by a recess formed in the at least one protrusion between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The method yet further includes performing an elastic averaging of the elastic deformation over the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein upon reaching a fully engaged position of the at least one protrusion a fitted alignment between the first component and the second component is established.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first component of a matable assembly;

FIG. 2 is front elevation view of a second component of the matable assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic alignment assembly prior to insertion of a protrusion into a receiving feature;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the protrusion disposed in an interference fit with the receiving feature; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of reducing positional variation of the matable assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a matable assembly 10 is illustrated. The matable assembly 10 comprises matable components, such as a first component 12 and a second component 14 that may be disposed in a mated configuration with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the matable assembly is employed in a vehicle application, and comprises a vehicle feature such as a vehicle emblem. However, it is to be understood that the components may be associated with numerous other applications and industries, such as home appliance and aerospace applications, for example. In an exemplary embodiment such as a vehicle emblem for an automobile, the first component 12 comprises an emblem and the second component 14 comprises a bezel for receiving the emblem.

Although illustrated in a specific geometry, the first component 12 and the second component 14 may be configured in countless geometries. Irrespective of the precise geometry of the first component 12 and the second component 14, the second component 14 is configured to align with and fittingly mate with the first component 12, which will be described in detail below. In an alternative embodiment, rather than two components comprising the matable assembly 10, additional layers or components may be included.

The first component 12 includes a first surface 16 and a second surface 18, which may also be referred to as a first engagement surface, that are typically substantially planar surfaces spaced from one another and arranged in planes relatively parallel to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the first surface 16 and the second surface 18 are curvilinear, rather than relatively planar and are merely spaced from one another. Regardless of the precise geometry of the first surface 16 and the second surface 18, the first surface 16 and the second surface 18 are connected along a perimeter of the first component 12 by at least one perimeter wall 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one perimeter wall 20 includes a plurality of segments or individual walls, but is referred to herein as the at least one perimeter wall 20.

The second component 14 includes a third surface 22, which may also be referred to as a second engagement surface, and a fourth surface 24, that are typically substantially planar surfaces spaced from one another and arranged in planes relatively parallel to each other. Also similar to the first component 12, it is contemplated that the third surface 22 and the fourth surface 24 are curvilinear or include various protrusions and/or detents.

Generally and schematically illustrated is an elastic alignment assembly 30 that is used in conjunction with the matable assembly 10. It is to be appreciated that the elastic alignment assembly 30 is to be employed for providing a self-aligning relationship between components, such as the first component 12 and the second component 14, to each other, while also assisting in securely mating the components to each other. The elastic alignment assembly 30 is integrally formed with, or operatively coupled to, the second surface 18 (i.e., first engagement surface) and the third surface 22 (i.e., second engagement surface). As shown, a portion of the elastic alignment assembly 30 extends from the second surface 18 of the first component 12 toward the third surface 22 of the second component 14 and may span a portion of the second surface 18 or an entire dimension (e.g., length, width, height, etc.) of the second surface 18. Similarly, another portion of the elastic alignment assembly 30 extends from the third surface 22 of the second component 14 toward the second surface 18 of the first component 12 and may span a portion of the third surface 22 or an entire dimension (e.g., length, width, height, etc.) of the third surface 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the elastic alignment assembly 30 is illustrated in greater detail than the schematic illustrations of FIGS. 1 and 2. The elastic alignment assembly 30 comprises a protrusion 32 extending away from the second surface 18 of the first component 12. The protrusion 32 may be integrally formed with or operatively coupled to the first component 12 and may be formed of various geometries. In one embodiment, the protrusion 32 extends in a longitudinally extended manner across an entire span of the second surface 18, as noted above. The direction in which the protrusion 32 extends may include a first direction 34 (FIG. 1), such as a horizontal or cross-car direction in the illustrated embodiment, and/or a second direction 36, such as a vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. Additionally, the protrusion 32 may be located central to the second surface 18, with respect to the first direction 34 and/or the second direction 36. Orientation of the protrusion 32 in one or both of these directions facilitates precise alignment of the first component 12 relative to the second component 14 by accounting for positional and/or tolerance variation of the retaining and/or locating features of the first component 12 and the second component 14 inherently present due to manufacturing processes. The self-aligning benefits associated with the elastic alignment assembly 30 will be described in detail below.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 32 includes a first sidewall 38 and a second sidewall 40 extending from a first end 42 proximate the second surface 18 to a second end 44 located distally from the first end 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sidewall 38 comprises a first portion 46 extending from the first end 42 to an intermediate location 48 of the first sidewall 38 in an orientation relatively perpendicular to the second surface 18. The first sidewall 38 also includes a second portion 50 extending from the intermediate location 48 to the second end 44 of the first sidewall 38. The second portion 50 is disposed at an angle to the first portion 46, and more specifically at an angle that tapers inwardly toward the second sidewall 40, or towards a center axis 51. The second sidewall 40 comprises a third portion 52 extending from the first end 42 of the protrusion 32 to an intermediate location 54 of the second sidewall 40 in an orientation relatively perpendicular to the second surface 18. The second sidewall 40 also includes a fourth portion 56 extending from the intermediate location 54 of the second sidewall 40 to the second end 44 of the second sidewall 40. The fourth portion 56 is disposed at an angle to the third portion 52, and more specifically at an angle that tapers inwardly toward the first sidewall 38. Extending longitudinally through the protrusion 32 is a recess 58 disposed at the second end 44 of the protrusion 32 between the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40. The recess 58 extends axially from the second end 44 toward the first end 42 of the protrusion 32, terminating intermediate of the first and second ends 42, 44, respectively.

The elastic alignment assembly 30 also comprises a receiving feature 60 extending into the third surface 22 of the second component 14. The receiving feature 60 may be integrally formed with or operatively coupled to the second component 14 and may be formed of various geometries. In one embodiment, the receiving feature 60 is a trough extending in a longitudinally extended manner across an entire span of the third surface 22. The direction in which the receiving feature 60 extends may include the first direction 34 and/or the second direction 36. As described above, the receiving feature 60 may be disposed in various locations along the third surface 22 and may be of various shapes, including the trough noted above or apertures, for example. Multiple embodiments of the receiving feature 60 are contemplated that are suitable for receiving a protrusion 32 of the first component 12, including longitudinally extending or spatially located receiving features.

In the illustrated embodiment of the receiving feature 60 (FIG. 4), a first wall 62 and a second wall 64 are included, with a base wall 68 extending therebetween and connecting the first wall 62 and the second wall 64. The first wall 62 and the second wall 64 respectively include a first chamfer portion 61 and a second chamfer portion 63, which are each disposed at a distal end from the base wall 68. The first chamfer portion 61 and the second chamfer portion 63 comprise beveled surfaces of the receiving feature 60 and are configured to provide a “lead-in,” or guide, region for the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40 of the protrusion 32. Numerous angles of the first chamfer portion 61 and the second chamfer portion 63 are contemplated. In addition to the “lead-in,” or guide, benefit provided by the first chamfer portion 61 and the second chamfer portion 63, the angled surfaces increase a contact interference condition between the protrusion 32 and the receiving feature 60 by increasing a compressive surface area that imparts a compressive force on the protrusion 32. Although illustrated as a trough-like recess within the third surface 22 of the second component 14, it is to be appreciated that the receiving feature 60 may be an opening or bore, or the like, provided the receiving feature 60 includes one or more surfaces configured to engage the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40 of the protrusion 32. Although described above as an embodiment having the protrusion 32 integrally formed with or operatively coupled to the first component 12 and the receiving feature 60 integrally formed with or operatively coupled to the second component 14, it is to be understood that a reversed configuration may be employed. Specifically, the protrusion 32 may be coupled to the second component 14, while the receiving feature 60 is coupled to the first component 12. Furthermore, a combination of the two aforementioned embodiments is contemplated. Additionally, a plurality of one or both of the protrusion 32 and the receiving feature 60 may be present.

The protrusion 32 of the first component 12 is positioned and engaged with the receiving feature 60 of the second component 14 upon translation of the first component 12 toward the base wall 68. The first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40 of the protrusion 32 engage the first wall 62 and the second wall 64, respectively, at a position spaced from the base wall 68 within the receiving feature 60. Subsequent translation of the protrusion 32 toward the base wall 68 results in an elastic deformation at a first interface 70 between the first sidewall 38 and the first wall 62, as well as at a second interface 72 between the second sidewall 40 and the second wall 64. Depending on the positional variance of the features of the first component 12 and the second component 14, elastic deformation of one or both of the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40 may occur in response to resistance imposed on the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40 by the receiving feature 60. An elastically deformed condition is illustrated in FIG. 4. It is to be appreciated that elastic deformation of the protrusion 32 is further facilitated by the presence of the recess 58 disposed between the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40. The void of material defining the recess 58 enhances the flexibility of the protrusion 32 in regions closely located to the recess 58.

Any suitable elastically deformable material may be used for the protrusion 32. More specifically, elastically deformable material is disposed proximate, or integral to, the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40. This includes various metals, polymers, ceramics, inorganic materials or glasses, or composites of any of the aforementioned materials, or any other combinations thereof. Many composite materials are envisioned, including various filled polymers, including glass, ceramic, metal and inorganic material filled polymers, particularly glass, metal, ceramic, inorganic or carbon fiber filled polymers. Any suitable filler morphology may be employed, including all shapes and sizes of particulates or fibers. More particularly any suitable type of fiber may be used, including continuous and discontinuous fibers, woven and unwoven cloths, felts or tows, or a combination thereof. Any suitable metal may be used, including various grades and alloys of steel, cast iron, aluminum, magnesium or titanium, or composites thereof, or any other combinations thereof. Polymers may include both thermoplastic polymers or thermoset polymers, or composites thereof, or any other combinations thereof, including a wide variety of co-polymers and polymer blends. In one embodiment, a preferred plastic material is one having elastic properties so as to deform elastically without fracture, as for example, a material comprising an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer, and more particularly a polycarbonate ABS polymer blend (PC/ABS), such as an ABS acrylic. The material may be in any form and formed or manufactured by any suitable process, including stamped or formed metal, composite or other sheets, forgings, extruded parts, pressed parts, castings, or molded parts and the like, to include the deformable features described herein. The material, or materials, may be selected to provide a predetermined elastic response characteristic of the protrusion 32. The predetermined elastic response characteristic may include, for example, a predetermined elastic modulus.

The precise position where engagement between the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40 and the receiving feature 60 occurs will vary depending on positional variance imposed by manufacturing factors. Due to the elastically deformable properties of the elastic material comprising the protrusion 32, the criticality of the initial location of engagement is reduced. Further insertion of the protrusion 32 into the receiving feature 60 toward the base wall 68 ultimately leads to a fully engaged position of the protrusion 32, as illustrated in FIG. 4. As shown, the second end 44 of the protrusion 32 may engage the base wall 68 of the receiving feature 60 in an embodiment having a protrusion length extending along an entire length of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. Additionally, it is to be understood that the second end 44 may not contact the base wall 68. The sizes of the protrusion 32 and the receiving feature 60, as well as the elastic properties of the elastic material(s), ultimately dictate the fully engaged position.

Irrespective of the precise location of the fully engaged position, a tight, fitted engagement between the protrusion 32 and the receiving feature 60 is achieved by frictional forces present at the interfaces of the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40 with the first wall 62 and the second wall 64, respectively. Such a condition is ensured by sizing a protrusion width 76 to be larger than a receiving feature width 78. The protrusion width 76 is defined by the distance between the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40, and in one embodiment is defined by the distance between the first portion 46 of the first sidewall 38 and the third portion 52 of the second sidewall 40. The receiving feature width 78 is defined by the distance between the first wall 62 and the second wall 64. The interference between the protrusion 32 and the receiving feature 60 causes elastic deformation proximate the contacted surfaces. The malleability of the materials reduces issues associated with positional variance. More particularly, in contrast to a rigid insert that typically results in gaps between the insert and receiving structure at portions around the perimeter of the insert, the protrusion 32 advantageously deforms to maintain alignment of the first component 12 and the second component 14, while also reducing or eliminating gaps associated with manufacturing challenges.

While contemplated that sufficient friction forces may be imposed at the interfaces of the protrusion 32 and the receiving feature 60 to align and retain the first component 12 to the second component 14, additional retaining features may be included. In such an embodiment, the first component 12 includes one or more retaining features (not illustrated), such as pins, that extend away from the second surface 18 of the first component 12 and are configured to be inserted within one or more corresponding apertures 80 of the second component 14. The retaining features are undersized relative to the one or more corresponding apertures 80 to account for positional variation associated with manufacturing processes. In operation, once the retaining features are inserted into the one or more corresponding apertures 80 and the protrusion 32 is engaged with the receiving feature 60, a heat staking process is employed to mechanically fasten the retaining features and the one or more corresponding apertures 80, and thereby fastening the first component 12 to the second component 14. Upon heat staking the retaining features, the mating process mechanically manipulates an interface between the first component 12 and the second component 14 to cause the components to tend toward misalignment, but the elastic alignment assembly 30 counteracts the tendency to misalign by elastically deforming to maintain the alignment positioning of the first component 12 relative to the second component 14. In addition to or as an alternative to heat staking, the first component 12 and the second component 14 may include various other retaining features, such as an adhesive substance or tape, for example.

Regardless of whether the first component 12 and the second component 14 are retained by only the elastic alignment assembly 30 or additional retaining features, the elastic deformation of the protrusion 32 elastically averages any positional errors of the first component 12 and the second component 14. The averaging is performed in aggregate in relation to an amount of deformation of the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40. In other words, gaps that would otherwise be present due to positional errors associated with portions or segments of the first component 12 and the second component 14, particularly locating and retaining features, are eliminated by offsetting the gaps with an over-constrained condition along other portions or segments of the protrusion 32 and the receiving feature 60. The principles of elastic averaging are described in detail in commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/187,675, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

A method of reducing positional variation of a matable assembly 100 is also provided, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and with reference to FIGS. 1-4. The matable assembly 10 and the elastic alignment assembly 30, and more specifically the elastically deformable nature of the protrusion 32 have been previously described and specific structural components need not be described in further detail. The method of reducing positional variation of an elastic alignment assembly 100 includes inserting 102 the protrusion 32 into the receiving feature 60. The method also includes contacting 104 the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40 with the receiving feature 60. The method further includes elastically deforming 106 one or both of the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40 upon contacting 104 the receiving feature 60, wherein the recess 58 facilitates the elastic deformation. The method yet further includes performing 108 an elastic averaging of the elastic deformation over the first sidewall 38 and the second sidewall 40.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the application.

Claims

1. An elastic alignment assembly for aligning mated components comprising: a first component having a first engagement surface;a second component having a second engagement surface, the second component configured to be mated with the first component;at least one receiving feature formed in at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, the receiving feature comprising a closed ended cavity defined by at least one receiving feature sidewall and a receiving feature base wall; andat least one protrusion comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall and a recess disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the at least one protrusion extending away from at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, the at least one protrusion formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform at a first interface and a second interface upon contact with the at least one receiving feature, wherein the first interface is located proximate the first sidewall and the at least one receiving feature, and wherein the second interface is located proximate the second sidewall and the at least one receiving feature, the at least one protrusion comprising a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the first engagement surface or the second engagement surface, wherein the first sidewall comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends relatively perpendicularly from the first end of the at least one protrusion, and wherein the second portion extends from the first portion to the second end of the at least one protrusion at an inwardly tapered angle toward the second sidewall.

2. The elastic alignment assembly of claim 1, wherein the second sidewall comprises a third portion and a fourth portion, wherein the third portion extends relatively perpendicularly from the first end of the at least one protrusion, and wherein the fourth portion extends from the third portion to the second end of the at least one protrusion at an inwardly tapered angle toward the first sidewall.

3. The elastic alignment assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a protrusion width and the at least one receiving feature comprises a receiving feature width, wherein the protrusion width is greater than the receiving feature width, and wherein the receiving feature includes a first chamfer portion configured to contact the first sidewall and a second chamfer portion configured to contact the second sidewall.

4. The elastic alignment assembly of claim 3, wherein the protrusion width is defined by a distance between the first portion of the first sidewall and the third portion of the second sidewall.

5. The elastic alignment assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a protrusion length and the at least one receiving feature comprises a receiving feature length.

6. The elastic alignment assembly of claim 5, wherein the protrusion length and the receiving feature length extend along an entire length of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.

7. The elastic alignment assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a first protrusion centrally disposed relative to a first direction of the first engagement surface, and wherein the at least one receiving feature comprises a first receiving feature centrally disposed relative to the second engagement surface and substantially corresponding to the first direction of the first engagement surface.

8. The elastic alignment assembly of claim 7, further comprising a second protrusion and a second receiving feature, wherein the second protrusion is disposed perpendicularly to the first protrusion, and wherein the second receiving feature is disposed perpendicularly to the first receiving feature.

9. The elastic alignment assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fully engaged position of the first component, wherein the fully engaged position comprises contact interference between the first sidewall and the second sidewall with the at least one receiving feature along an entirety of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein an amount of deformation of the first sidewall and the second sidewall is averaged in aggregate.

10. The elastic alignment assembly of claim 1, wherein the first component comprises a vehicle emblem and the second component comprises a bezel.