Mounting clip and related methods
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorChristopher W. Fay
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mounting clip may be provided that is configured to be secured to a stiffener and provide attachment of external components to the stiffener. In one example, the mounting clip includes a frame with a base and legs. Opposing engagement members extend from the legs. The opposing engagement members each include a pair of deformable flexures and a pad, which engages a surface of the stiffener. The stiffener may be inserted into a channel defined by engagement members and translated upwards, thus, translating the pads upward and inward. Subsequently, the pads and deformable flexures provide a compressive clamping stress on the stiffener and therefore permanently secure the mounting clip to the stiffener.
Claims20
A clip configured to attach to a stiffener of a structure, the clip comprising:
- a substantially U-shaped frame comprising a base and two legs extended therefrom;
- a pair of substantially opposed engagement members extended toward each other from the legs to define a channel configured to receive the stiffener, wherein the engagement members are configured to clamp against corresponding sidewalls of the stiffener to secure the clip to the stiffener, wherein each engagement member comprises:
- a pad comprising a substantially planar engagement surface configured to contact and frictionally secure to the corresponding sidewall of the stiffener,
- a first deformable flexure having a first end coupled to one of the legs and a second end coupled to the pad, and
- a second deformable flexure having a first end coupled to the one of the legs and a second end coupled to the pad;
- and
- wherein the flexures are configured to deform in response to an insertion of the stiffener into the channel to translate the pad from a rest position to a clamped position, wherein the flexures remain deformed while the clip is secured to the stiffener.
A method comprising:
- providing a clip configured to attach to a stiffener of a structure, the clip comprising:
- a substantially U-shaped frame comprising a base and two legs extended therefrom;
- a pair of substantially opposed engagement members extended toward each other from the legs to define a channel configured to receive the stiffener, wherein the engagement members are configured to clamp against corresponding sidewalls of the stiffener to secure the clip to the stiffener, wherein each engagement member comprises:
- a pad comprising a substantially planar engagement surface configured to contact and frictionally secure to the corresponding sidewall of the stiffener,
- a first deformable flexure having a first end coupled to one of the legs and a second end coupled to the pad, and
- a second deformable flexure having a first end coupled to the one of the legs and a second end coupled to the pad;
- and
- securing the clip to the stiffener, wherein the flexures are configured to deform in response to an insertion of the stiffener into the channel to translate the pad from a rest position to a clamped position, wherein the flexures remain deformed while the clip is secured to the stiffener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.