DE102013216012A1 - Alignment system for aligning three components during joining process, has openings, which are distributed in coordinated relation to geometric distribution of elastic pipes such that each elastic pipe is accommodated in respective opening - Google Patents

Abstract

The alignment system (100) has elastic pipes for reciprocal alignment of components (106), where multiple openings (110.1,310.1) are formed in another and third components (114,314). Each opening has a wall (316). The openings are distributed in coordinated relation to a geometric distribution of multiple elastic pipes such that each elastic pipe is accommodated in a respective opening. An elastic deformation takes place on a border area between the pipe wall (102a) and wall of the opening, when each elastic pipe is accommodated in the respective opening. An independent claim is included for a method for precise alignment of components during a joining process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Ser. No. 2007 filed on Aug. 14, 2012. 61 / 683,136, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to placement features for aligning at least three components during a joining operation. In particular, the present invention relates to a plurality of mutually spaced elastic tube alignment features of a first component that elastically deform on average when mated with receiving aperture alignment features of a second component and at least a third component, thereby forming the first and second and at least third components to align precisely during a joining process.

BACKGROUND

At present, components, in particular vehicle components such as those found in automobiles to be assembled in a manufacturing process, are mutually arranged with respect to each other by alignment features that are oversized and / or undersized to create a gap around the Moving components freely with respect to each other to align them without creating any interference or interference between them, which would hinder the manufacturing process. One example includes two-way and / or four-way male alignment features, typically upright tabs, which are received in corresponding female alignment features, typically openings in the form of holes or slots. There is a gap between the male alignment features and their respective female alignment features, which is predetermined to match expected size and positional deviation tolerances of the male and female alignment features as a result of manufacturing (or fabrication) deviations. As a result, a significant positional deviation between the assembled first and second components with the above-mentioned alignment features may occur, which may contribute to the occurrence of an undesirably large deviation in their orientation, particularly with regard to gaps and gaps. If these misaligned components are also part of another arrangement, such misalignments may affect the function and / or aesthetic appearance of the entire assembly. Regardless of whether such misalignment is limited to two components or an entire assembly, it can adversely affect a function and result in poor quality perception.

When more than two or more components are to be joined together, the positional deviation as between the joined first, second, third, and any subsequent layers is further aggravated by the possibility of positional deviation between each component with respect to the other components, which also results in undesirably large Deviations that result in uneven gaps between the respective components and an otherwise poor fit in between.

Accordingly, the technique of alignment systems can be improved by providing an improved alignment system or mechanism that can ensure precise alignment of three or more components via elastic means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment, an alignment system with elastic tubes for aligning components is disclosed. The system includes a first component, a second component, and a third component. The system also includes a plurality of upright elastic tubes extending from the first component, each elastic tube having a tube wall. The system further includes a plurality of apertures formed in the second component and the third component, each aperture having a breakthrough wall, wherein the plurality of apertures are geometrically distributed in coordinated relation to a geometric distribution of the plurality of elastic tubes such that each elastic tube is distributed within one respective breakthrough is receivable, wherein when each elastic tube is received in a respective aperture, elastic deformation takes place at an interface between the tube wall and the breakthrough wall, the elastic deformation responsive to each tube wall having a larger diameter than a cross section of their respective aperture and wherein the elastic deformation is elastically averaged over the plurality of elastic tubes so that the first component is precisely located with respect to the second component and the third component.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for precisely aligning components of a motor vehicle during discloses a joining process. The method includes providing a first vehicle component, the first vehicle component having a plurality of upstanding elastic tubes extending from the first vehicle component, each elastic tube having a tube wall. The method also includes providing a second vehicle component and providing a third vehicle component, the second vehicle component and the third vehicle component each having a plurality of apertures formed therein, each aperture having a breakthrough wall, the plurality of apertures of the second vehicle component and the third vehicle component in coordinated relationship to a geometric distribution of the plurality of elastic tubes are distributed geometrically such that each elastic tube is receivable in a respective aperture. The method further includes assembling the first vehicle component with the second vehicle component, wherein during assembly, the first vehicle component is aligned with the second vehicle component and the third vehicle component by receiving each elastic tube in its respective aperture. Further, the method further includes elastically deforming an interface between each elastic tube and its respective breakdown in the second vehicle component and the third vehicle component. Finally, the method includes performing elastic averaging of the elastic deformation across the plurality of elastic tubes such that upon assembly, a precise arrangement of the first vehicle component to the second vehicle and third vehicle components is realized.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

1 Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of an alignment system and arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein;

2 a cross-sectional view of 1 , placed along 2-2 section, is;

3 a cross-sectional view of 1 , placed along 3-3 section, is;

4 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a resilient tube and multiple apertures in accordance with an embodiment of the invention disclosed herein;

5 a cross-sectional view similar to that of 2 with a different arrangement of device components according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed herein;

6 Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a method of aligning a component assembly according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed herein; and

7 one of those of 1 Figure 12 is a similar schematic plan view of another embodiment of an alignment system and assembly according to one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. For example, the illustrated embodiments include vehicle components; however, the alignment system can be used with any suitable components to provide elastic averaging for precision assembly and alignment of all types of joining components and component applications, including many industrial, consumer product (e.g., consumer electronics, various devices and applications) the like), transportation, energy and aerospace applications, and particularly including many other types of vehicle components and applications such as various vehicle components and applications inside, outside and under the hood. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts and features.

As used herein, the term "elastically deformable" refers to components or portions of components, including component features, having materials that have a substantially elastic deformation characteristic, the material being adapted to provide a resiliently reversible change in shape in response to application of a force. To experience size or both. The force that causes the resiliently reversible or elastic deformation of the material can be a tensile, compressive, shear, bending or torsional force, or various combinations of these forces. The elastically deformable materials may exhibit a linear elastic deformation, for example that described according to Hooke's Law, or a non-linear elastic deformation.

Elastic means provides elastic deformation of the interface (s) between assembled components, the averaged deformation providing precise alignment minimizing the positional deviation from fabrication to X _min , defined by X _min = X / √N, where X is the positional deviation from the fabrication of the assembly features of the assembled components, and N is the number of inserted features. In order to obtain elastic averaging, an elastically deformable component is designed to have at least one feature and its contact surface (s) being excessively constrained and having an interference fit a joining feature of another component and its contact surface (s) supplies. The condition excessively limited and the interference fit deform elastically reversibly (elastically) at least one of the at least one feature or the joining feature or both features. The resiliently reversible nature of these features of the components allows repeated use and repetitive removal of the components, facilitating their assembly and disassembly. A positional deviation of the components may result in different forces being applied over portions of the contact surfaces that are excessively restricted and engaged during use of the component in an excessively large condition. It is therefore understood that a single component used can be averaged elastically with respect to a circumferential length of the component. The principles of elastic averaging are described in detail in co-owned, co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 187,675, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The embodiments disclosed above provide the ability to convert an existing component that is incompatible with the above-described principles of elastic averaging, or that would be further assisted by the inclusion of a four-way elastic averaging system as disclosed herein, into an assembly Convert), which allows elastic means and associated advantages.

Any suitable elastically deformable material may be used for the joining components and the alignment features disclosed herein and further discussed below, particularly those materials that are elastically deformable when molded into the features described herein. This includes various metals, polymers, ceramics, inorganic materials or glasses or composites of any of the above-mentioned materials or any other combinations thereof that are suitable for a purpose disclosed herein. Many composite materials are conceivable, including various filled polymers, including polymers filled with glass, ceramic, metal, and inorganic material, particularly glass, metal, ceramic, inorganic or carbon fiber filled polymers. Any suitable filler morphology may be used, including all shapes and sizes of particles or fibers. More concretely, any suitable type of fiber may be used, including continuous and discontinuous fibers, woven and nonwoven fabrics, felts or yarns, or combinations 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 combination thereof. Polymers may include both thermoplastic polymers or thermosetting polymers or composites thereof or any other combinations thereof, including a wide variety of copolymers and polymer blends. In one embodiment, a preferred plastic material is one having elastic properties that elastically deforms without fracture, such as a material comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, and more particularly a polycarbonate-ABS polymer blend (PC / PSA). SECTION). The material may be in any form and shaped or made by any suitable process, including stamped or formed metal, composites or other sheets, forgings, continuous castings, pressed parts, castings or molded parts, and the like, to encompass the deformable features described herein. The elastically deformable alignment features and associated components may be molded in any manner. For example, the elastically deformable alignment features and associated component may be integrally formed, or may be molded completely separately and then secured together. When created in one piece, they can be molded as a single part of, for example, a plastic injection molding machine. When they are created separately, they can be formed of different materials, for example, to provide a predetermined elastic response characteristic. The material or materials may be selected to provide a predetermined elastic response characteristic of any or all of the elastically deformable alignment features, the associated component, or the joining component. The predetermined elastic response characteristic may include, for example, a predetermined elastic modulus.

As used herein, the term vehicle is not limited to only an automobile, truck, minibus, or off-road vehicle, but includes any self-propelled or towed vehicle suitable for transporting a load.

The present invention is an elastic tube alignment system for the precise assembly of three or more components, particularly automotive components, where, when assembly is complete, there is no float (or clearance) between the male and female alignment features to provide precision alignment to provide a stiffened constraint, however, the aligned assembly is gentle and effortless each time.

The elastic pipe alignment system according to an embodiment of the invention operates on the principle of elastic means. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (mating) alignment features are disposed on a first component while a plurality of one-to-one breakout (socket) alignment features on at least two other components (eg, a second component and a third component). wherein the elastic tube alignment features have a diameter that exceeds a cross section of the aperture alignment features. However, the first, second, and third components may each have some of the elastic tube aligning features and some of the aperture alignment features as long as they are one to one so as to be mutually engageable with each other. During assembly of the first component with the second and third components, each elastic tube alignment feature engages each of its respective aperture alignment feature. As the elastic tube alignment features are incorporated into the respective aperture alignment features, any manufacturing variability in position and size of the tube and aperture elastic alignment features is compensated for by elastic deformation on average at the interface between the tube and aperture elastic alignment features. This elastic means across the plurality of elastic tube and aperture alignment features provides precise alignment as between the first, second, third and any subsequent components when assembled together with respect to each other and yet the joining process is smooth and easy.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the elastic means provides precise alignment of the components, minimizing the positional deviation from manufacturing to X _min . Thus, the required clearance for the prior art male and female alignment features is avoided by one embodiment of the invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the elastic tube alignment features are elastically deformable by elastic compression of the tube wall of the elastic tube, which deformation is preferably resiliently reversible. In one embodiment of the invention, the elastic tube alignment features are connected to a first component upright, perpendicular to a predetermined surface of the first component (typically in one piece). Furthermore, it is possible according to an embodiment of the invention, but not required, that the respective aperture alignment elements are elastically deformable by an elastic widening of the breakthrough wall of the apertures, which deformation is preferably resiliently reversible. In one embodiment, the breakthrough alignment features are disposed on a second component and a third component, typically as a slot or a hole in predetermined surfaces of the second and third components, wherein the diameter of the elastic tube alignment features exceeds the cross-section of the aperture alignment features (ie, a convenient condition an interference fit exists between the elastic tube alignment features and each associated breakthrough alignment feature), whereby elastic deformation occurs as each elastic tube alignment feature is received in its respective aperture alignment feature. The precise alignment process is both smooth and easy. Mating may be enhanced by tapering (smaller diameter with increasing height) the elastic tube alignment features so as to facilitate their initial entry into the aperture alignment features, and / or by chamfering the breakthrough wall of the aperture alignment features to provide elastic deformation at the interface of the aperture wall stamp out the pipe wall locally.

In use, while the first, second, and third and any additional (e.g., fourth, fifth, etc.) components are mated together, the initial contact therebetween is at the plurality of geometrically spaced, elastic tube straightening elements that enter their one-to-one corresponding aperture alignment features. Because of the larger dimension of the diameter of the elastic tube alignment features with respect to the cross-section of the aperture alignment features, elastic deformation occurs at the interface therebetween, and this deformation is averaged over the geometric distribution of the plurality of elastic tube alignment features. The alignment becomes precise when all of the first, second, and third (and any additional) components have been fully mated, since the taper, when utilized, provides the elastic tube alignment features a largest diameter to the cross-section of the aperture alignment features when these components are at a final Joined position arrived. When a fastening modality is implemented, such as threaded fasteners, hot rivets, ultrasonic welding, cap nuts, clips, etc., the precise alignment becomes manifest, and the visible connection between the two components is a grade A design, with predetermined requirements for nip and Interspaces between the components were complied with.

Now it will open 1 - 4 Reference is made to various examples of the structure and function of an alignment system 100 elastic tubes as disclosed herein.

The elastic tube alignment system 100 works on the principle of elastic means. Multiple, mutually spaced, resilient tube alignment features (which serve as plug-in alignment directional features) 102 (hereinafter referred to simply as "elastic tubes") are on a first surface 104 a first component 106 arranged. How best in 2 - 4 is shown, the elastic tubes 102 upright perpendicular to the first surface 104 wherein six mutually spaced elastic tubes on the surface of the first component 106 are (best with reference to 1 visible). Each of the elastic tubes 102 is tubular, with a tube wall 102 , The pipe wall 102 preferably defines a hollow cylinder. The pipe wall 102 is elastic, preferably rigid elastic, wherein the shape is resiliently reversible in response to a compressive force applied thereto. These elastic pipes 102 and corresponding breakthroughs 110 . 310 (further discussed below) and their use in and for an alignment system are described in co-owned, co-pending U.S. Patent Application 13 / 187,675.

Multiple breakthrough alignment features (which serve as socket alignment features) 110 (referred to simply as "breakthroughs" below) are in a second surface 112 a second component 114 arranged, the several elastic tubes 102 one-to-one or equivalent; that is, there is a respective breakthrough for each elastic tube 110 into which it is receivable. Consequently, the multiple breakthroughs 110 in coordinated relation to a geometric distribution of the plurality of elastic tubes 102 so geometrically distributed that every elastic tube 102 in his respective breakthrough 110 is receivable. While the breakthroughs 110 are shown as elongated slots, it can be seen that the breakthrough shape could be different, such as an elongate hole, a substantially round hole, etc. The breakthrough wall 116 which defines an opening limit of the breakthrough alignment features 110 defined, is preferably bevelled 116a (best seen with reference to 4 ). A preferred material for the second component 114 in which the breakthroughs 110 is one having elastic properties so as to be elastically deformed without breakage as described herein.

Multiple breakthrough alignment features (which serve as socket alignment features) 310 (referred to as "breakthroughs" below) are in a third surface 312 a third component 314 arranged, the several elastic tubes 102 and breakthroughs 110 Located one to one accordingly; that is, for every elastic tube 102 there is a respective breakthrough 310 into which it is receivable. Consequently, the multiple breakthroughs 310 in coordinated relation to a geometric distribution of the plurality of elastic tubes 102 so geometrically distributed that every elastic tube 102 in his respective breakthrough 310 is receivable. Although the breakthroughs 310 are shown as elongated slots, it can be seen that the breakthrough shape could be different, such as an elongate hole, a substantially round hole, etc. The breakthrough wall 316 showing the opening limit of the breakthrough alignment features 310 defined, is preferably bevelled 316a (best with reference to 4 visible). A preferred material for the third component 314 in which the breakthroughs 310 is one having elastic properties so as to be elastically deformed without breakage as described herein.

The breakthroughs 110 . 310 may be of any suitable shape, including an elongated shape having a length greater than its width, such as a rectangle, rounded rectangle, or a rectangular shape having ends defined by outwardly facing, opposed curved (e.g., circular) arcs , In one embodiment can the elongated breakthroughs 110 . 310 have a substantially uniform breakthrough width except in the end regions, which may be rounded or curved as described herein. The breakthroughs 110 . 310 a given component are the same size or different sizes. In one embodiment, the breakthroughs 110 the second component 114 a second breakthrough width ( 130 ), and the breakthroughs 310 the third component 314 have a third breakthrough width ( 132 ). In one embodiment, the second breakthrough width 130 and the third breakthrough width 132 respective breakthroughs (those aligned over the same elastic tube) are different, and in particular the second breakthrough width 130 greater than the third breakthrough width 132 , Different breakthrough widths are especially useful when the elastic tube 102 is tapered and the second component 114 near the first component 106 and the third component 314 near the second component 114 , is. In this way, the elastic deformation of the elastic tube 102 in the areas near the second component 114 and the third component 314 can be controlled, and in particular, the second breakthrough width 130 and third breakthrough width 132 be selected to provide the same elastic deformation in these areas or alternatively to provide comparatively higher or lower elastic deformations in these areas.

The elongated breakthroughs 110 the second component 114 have second expansion axes (main axes) 111 , and the elongated apertures of the third component 314 have third expansion axes (main axes) 311 along its length (that is, the elongated dimension) (best seen with reference to FIG 1 ). For respective breakthroughs 110 . 310 For example, the apertures may be arranged such that the respective axes 111 . 311 parallel to each other or not parallel to each other. In one embodiment, a predetermined portion of the second expansion axes 111 parallel to the third expansion axes 311 the respective breakthroughs 110 . 310 , In another embodiment, a predetermined portion of the second expansion axes 111 not parallel to the third expansion axes 311 respective breakthroughs 110 . 310 ,

The first, second and third components 106 . 114 . 314 may include automotive components; but this is not a requirement. The alignment system 100 can be used with any number of components and is not limited to an application with only three components. Although the embodiments herein use three components 106 . 114 . 314 can be determined using the alignment system described herein 100 more than three components, including a fourth, fifth, sixth etc. component in any number.

As in 4 is shown schematically, which surpasses 130a down tapered diameter 130b the elastic tubes 102 a cross section 130 . 132 the respective breakthroughs 110 . 310 at the respective engagement points, whereby an elastic deformation proceeds during each elastic tube 102 in his respective breakthrough 110 . 310 is recorded. As in 4 is the elastic deformation of the pipe wall 102 due to the slope 116a . 316a the respective breakthrough wall 116 . 316 locally pronounced, with a relatively small contact area as between the respective contact surface of the breakthrough wall (hereinafter referred to by reference numerals 116a . 316a referenced) and the pipe wall 102 is provided. Since the compressive force between the breakthrough wall and the tube wall is limited to the smaller surface area of the contact surface of the breakthrough wall, a higher compression pressure is provided.

The process of assembling the first component 106 with the second component 114 and third component 314 is performed both gently and easily, facilitated by a taper (smaller diameter with increasing height, as compared to 4 is shown) by distal and proximal diameter 130a and 130b the distal and proximal ends 102 . 102c the pipe wall 102 , In this regard, presents the taper of the elastic tubes 102 a largest diameter of 130b down to 130a ranges, at the cross section of the breakthroughs 110 . 310 if the first one 106 , second 114 and third 314 Component have arrived at a final joining position, as in 4 is shown; Further, the taper can be a smallest diameter 130a the pipe wall 102 at the distal end 102b to provide an initial entry of the elastic tubes 102 into the breakthroughs 110 . 310 to facilitate.

During the assembly of the first component 106 and the second component 114 and third component 314 every elastic pipe gets 102 each in engagement with its corresponding breakthrough 110 . 310 , while, while the elastic tubes 102 into the breakthroughs 110 . 310 reach, any production deviation in position and size thereof by an elastic deformation in the middle of the plurality of elastic tubes 102 and breakthroughs 110 . 310 is compensated. This elastic means over the multiple elastic tubes 102 and breakthroughs 110 . 310 creates a precise alignment as between the first, second and third component 106 . 114 . 314 when they are finally put together in relation to each other.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the elastic means provides elastic deformation of the interface between the plurality of geometrically distributed elastic tube alignment features 102 and the breakthrough alignment features 110 . 310 where the average deformation provides precise alignment while minimizing the manufacturing deviation to X _min .

Further, according to one embodiment of the invention, it is possible, but not necessary, for the aperture alignment elements 110 . 310 are also elastically deformable by an elastic expansion of the breakthrough side wall, which deformation is also preferably reversible.

The structure of the alignment system 100 with elastic tubes will now be described. The first, second and third components 106 . 114 . 314 are brought almost aligned in close proximity to each other. While the first, second and third component 106 . 114 . 314 be joined, the second component 114 between the first and third components 106 . 314 is arranged, the initial contact therebetween via the plurality of geometrically spaced elastic tubes 102 that breaks into their one-to-one corresponding breakthroughs 110 . 310 after which the first, second and third components 106 . 114 . 314 align each other. The alignment is accurate in 1 - 3 , wherein the first, second and third components 106 . 114 . 314 are shown fully assembled. The alignment is precise because the diameter is the largest dimension of the elastic tubes 102 in relation to the cross section of the respective breakthroughs 110 . 310 results in an elastic deformation and this elastic deformation over the plurality of geometrically distributed elastic tubes 102 is averaged elastically. When a fastening modality is established, such as threaded fasteners, hot rivets (for example, by locally melting and deforming the tips of the pipes), ultrasonic welding, etc., the precise alignment becomes manifest, and the visible connection between the two components becomes an implementation the quality A.

In 5 is a second embodiment for implementing the alignment system 100 with elastic tubes according to an embodiment of the invention dargstellt. In this example, the first component points 106 elastic pipes 102 up, extending from the first surface 104 and from a second surface 105 extend vertically outwards. The second component 114 has breakthroughs 110 and is with the first component 106 in the manner described above near the first surface 104 aligned. The third component 314 has breakthroughs 310 on and is with the first component 106 in the manner described above near the second surface 105 aligned. The orientation of the second component 114 and the third component 314 can be at the same time or separately depending on the alignment requirements of the system 100 be carried out for the respective components.

As in 5 The first, second and third components have been shown 106 . 114 . 314 with respect to each other by a deformation with elastic averaging of the elastic tube features 102 that with the breakthrough registration features 110 . 310 form an interface according to the alignment system 100 aligned with elastic pipes of the present invention, whereby the first component 106 which is between the second component 114 and third component 314 lies with respect to the second and third components 114 . 314 is precisely aligned with the above-mentioned reduced production deviation X _min .

The elastic pipes 102 and the breakthroughs 110 . 310 may each lie on each of the first, second or third component, and in fact some elastic tubes and some apertures may be present on each of these components. In addition, although cylindrical elastic tubes 102 are particularly useful, the shape may also be non-cylindrical or may or may not have a different thickness of the tube wall.

From the foregoing description, several notable aspects of the present invention can be seen. Some embodiments of the present invention, for example: 1) eliminate the manufacturing variance associated with the gaps associated with prior art 2-way and 4-way layout schemes; 2) reduce the production deviation by elastic means of positional deviation; 3) eliminate the float of components as present in the art; 4) provide an excessively limited condition that reduces the positional deviation by averaging any deviation of placement features, and additionally stiffen the connection, reducing the number of fasteners needed; 5) create a more precise arrangement of components; and 6) provide a stiffened structure of the assembled first, second and third components with a reduction or elimination of rumble, squeak and rattle (BSR) by elastic deformation with respect to each other and thereby improving the noise, vibration and hardness (NVH) efficiency of the arrangement of the components.

The elastic pipes 102 can be shaped in any suitable manner. They can be made in one piece with the first component 106 molded or manufactured, or they can be molded together separately and attached to the first component 106 be attached, or they can both be completely separately molded and attached to the first component 106 be attached. If they are molded separately, they can be made from materials other than those of the first component 106 be formed, for example, to provide a predetermined elastic response characteristic. The material or materials may be selected to provide a predetermined elastic response characteristic of any or all of the first component 106 or second component 114 or third component 314 to accomplish. The predetermined elastic response characteristic may include, for example, a predetermined elastic modulus.

In one embodiment of the invention, and now with reference 6 , a procedure 200 for precisely aligning components and in particular components of a motor vehicle during a joining operation using the alignment system 100 disclosed. The method includes provision 210 a first component 106 , where the first component 106 several, upright elastic tubes 102 that is from the first component 106 go out, each elastic tube a pipe wall 102 having. The method also includes provision 220 a second component 114 and provision 230 a third component 314 , wherein the second component 114 and the third component 314 in each case a plurality of respective breakthroughs formed therein 110 . 310 each having each breakthrough 110 . 310 a breakthrough wall 116 . 316 has, wherein the multiple breakthroughs 110 . 310 the second component 114 and the third component 314 in a coordinated relationship with a geometric distribution of the plurality of elastic tubes 102 so are geometrically distributed that every elastic tube 102 into a respective breakthrough 110 . 310 is receivable. The procedure 200 also includes an assembly 240 the first component 106 with the second component 114 wherein, during assembly, the first component 106 with the second component 114 and the third component 314 is aligned by each elastic tube 102 in his respective breakthrough 110 . 310 is recorded. Furthermore, the method still includes an elastic deformation 250 an interface between each elastic tube 102 and his respective breakthrough 110 . 310 in the second component 114 and the third component 314 , Finally, the procedure involves 200 a performing 260 an elastic averaging of the elastic deformation over the plurality of elastic tubes 102 , so that when assembling a precise arrangement of the first component 106 to the second 114 and the third component 314 is realized.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the major axes of the slotted apertures 110 . 310 , as in 1 may be strategically oriented with respect to each other to provide precise control over the fit of the second and third components 114 . 314 in relation to the first component 106 to create, with slotted breakthroughs 110 (concrete 110.1 . 110.2 . 110.3 . 110.4 . 110.5 . 110.6 ) in the second component 114 are provided and the slotted breakthroughs 310 (concrete 310.1 . 310.2 . 310.3 . 310.4 . 310.5 . 310.6 ) in the third component 314 are provided. For example, and as in 1 shown, the major axes of the slotted openings 110.1 . 310.1 . 110.3 . 310.3 . 110.5 . 310.5 all oriented parallel to the x-axis, and the major axes of the slotted breakthroughs 110.2 . 310.2 . 110.4 . 310.4 . 110.6 . 310.6 are all oriented parallel to the y-axis. By strategically orienting the major axes of each slotted aperture, a precise alignment of the second and third components is achieved 114 . 314 in relation to the first component 106 in both the x and y directions, because the width along the minor axis of each slotted aperture in an elastically averaged array relative to respective ones of the elastic tubes 102 engages with excess.

Although 1 a set of six elastic tubes 102 and two sets of six breakthroughs 110.1 . 110.2 . 110.3 . 110.4 . 110.5 . 110.6 and 310.1 . 310.2 . 310.3 . 310.4 . 310.5 . 310.6 with a particular strategic arrangement and orientation in relation to each other, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to those of the 1 illustrated embodiment is limited. For example, the scope of the invention also includes other numbers of elastic tubes 102 , the pairs of breakthroughs 110 . 310 One to one are arranged according to, with the major axis of each breakthrough 110 . 310 a pair of breakthroughs is oriented along a same axis and where the set of breakthroughs 110 . 310 some pairs include apertures oriented with respect to the x-axis, and some pairs of apertures oriented with respect to the y-axis. An exemplary to which in 1 illustrated alternative embodiment includes eight pairs of openings 110 . 310 that a respective elastic tube 102 One to one are arranged according to, with the major axis of each breakthrough 110 . 310 of a given pair of apertures oriented along the same axis, with the major axes of two of the eight pairs of apertures 110 . 310 are oriented parallel to the x-axis and where the major axes of six of the eight pairs breakthroughs 110 . 310 oriented parallel to the y-axis. The above-mentioned exemplary embodiment corresponding to that in FIG 1 The illustrated alternative is just one of many alternative embodiments that may be considered and taken into consideration within the scope of the invention.

For example, and with reference now to 7 which have a similar view to those in 1 1, an embodiment of the invention includes an arrangement of an alignment system 100 ' with elastic tubes, which has a three-layer construction with a first, second or third component 106 ' . 114 ' respectively. 314 ' that forms an interior lid of a vehicle such as a cup holder lid or an interior door or an outer body assembly of a vehicle such as a front grill, which may or may not include a chrome trim strip or other decorative strip. The entire outline of the third component 314 ' is in 7 visible and shown in a solid line. Sections of the outline of the second component 114 ' are in 7 and are shown in solid line, with other hidden portions of the outline are shown in dotted line. Sections of the outlines of the first component 106 ' are in 7 visible and solid line, with other hidden portions of the outline are shown in dashed line. The second component 114 ' is sandwiched between the first 106 ' and the third 314 ' Component arranged. As in 7 shown are the four outer elastic tubes 102 with corresponding breakthroughs 310 ' from only the third component 314 ' elastically averaged while the central four-elastic tubes 102 with both the corresponding breakthroughs 310 ' the third component 314 ' as well as the corresponding breakthroughs 110 ' the second component 114 elastically averaged. In this way, a particular combination of elastic tubes can be used to align only two components, while another combination of elastic tubes can be used to align three or more components. Thus, it will be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention include a variety of arrangements wherein a first subset of resilient tubes of a first component may engage breakthroughs of only a third component and a second subset of resilient tubes of the first component may have breakthroughs of both third component as well as an intermediate second component can be engaged. Any and all arrangements consistent with the disclosure herein may be considered, and are to be considered as within the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Although 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 their elements 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, the invention should not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the application.

Claims (10)

Alignment system with elastic tubes for mutual alignment of components, with: a first component having a plurality of upright elastic tubes, each elastic tube having a tube wall; a second component; a third component, wherein the second component is disposed between the first and third components; and a plurality of apertures formed in the second component and the third component, each aperture having a breakthrough wall, the plurality of apertures being geometrically distributed in coordinated relation to a geometric distribution of the plurality of elastic tubes such that each elastic tube penetrates into a respective aperture is absorbable, wherein when each elastic tube is received in its respective aperture, elastic deformation takes place at an interface between the tube wall and the breakthrough wall, the elastic deformation being responsive to each tube wall having a larger diameter than a cross section of its respective aperture and wherein the elastic deformation is elastically averaged over the plurality of elastic tubes so that the first component is precisely located with respect to the second component and the third component. The elastic pipe alignment system according to claim 1, wherein the pipe wall has a non-cylindrical shape. The elastic tube alignment system of claim 1, wherein: the elastic deformation includes resiliently reversible elastic deformation of each tube wall, and the elastic deformation further comprises resilient deformation of each breakthrough wall. An elastic tube alignment system according to claim 1, wherein: the elastic deformation comprises a resiliently reversible elastic deformation of each tube wall; and each tube wall is tapered, the tapered tube wall having a smallest diameter at one end away from the first component. An elastic tube alignment system according to claim 4, wherein: the respective apertures of the second component have a first breakdown width and the apertures of the third component have a third aperture width, wherein the second aperture width and the third aperture width of respective apertures are different. An elastic tube alignment system according to claim 1, wherein: the apertures of the second component and the third component are elongated apertures; and the elongated openings of the second component have second expansion axes and the elongated openings of the third component have third expansion axes; and a predetermined portion of the second extension axes are parallel to the third extension axes of respective openings. The elastic alignment system of claim 1, wherein the respective apertures of the second component have a first aperture width and the apertures of the third component have a third aperture width and the second aperture width is greater than the third aperture width. A method of precisely aligning components during a joining operation, the method comprising the steps of: Providing a first component, the first component having a plurality of upstanding elastic tubes extending from the first component, each elastic tube having a tube wall; Providing a second component; Providing a third component, the second component and the third component each having a plurality of apertures formed therein, each aperture having a breakthrough wall, wherein the plurality of apertures of the second component and the third component are in coordinated relationship with a geometric distribution of the plurality of elastic members Pipes are geometrically distributed so that each elastic tube is receivable in a respective aperture; Assembling the first component with the second component, wherein during assembly the first component is aligned with the second component and the third component by receiving each elastic tube in its respective aperture; elastically deforming an interface between each elastic tube and its respective aperture in the second component and the third component; and Performing an elastic means of elastic deformation over the plurality of elastic tubes such that upon assembly a precise arrangement of the first component to the second and third components is realized. The method of claim 8, wherein the elastic deformation comprises a resiliently reversible elastic deformation of each elastic tube; the joining creates a connection between the first and second components; and the elastic deformation takes place during the step of elastic deformation substantially perpendicular to a respective adjacent local component of the compound. The method of claim 8, wherein: the elastic deformation comprises a resiliently reversible elastic deformation of each elastic tube; and during the provision of a first component, a second component and a third component, a production deviation of a size and location of the elastic tubes and the apertures occurs, wherein the manufacturing deviation has an average length X and wherein the step of elastic means a reduced manufacturing deviation of a length X _min , where X _min = X / √N, where N is the number of elastic tubes.

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