Locator guide extension
AssigneeMagna Exteriors Inc.
InventorsRobert W. Feyers, Theodore J. Bachelder, Ronald J. Andor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A locator guide extension connected to a locator on a host component by at least one retention barb or like feature. The locator guide extension effectively extends the length of the locator to assists an operator in the initial alignment of the host component part to the assembly. An operator locates apertures in the assembly with the locator guide extension prior to inserting attachment clips of the host component. Once initially aligned, the operator pushes the locator guide extension and locator into the aperture, where the locator provides the final fit/finish location. The attachment clip connects the host component to the final assembly.
Claims17
A component retention system, comprising:
- a component part having at least one locator integrally formed with the component part and adapted to locate the component part to a second part;
- at least one attachment clip operably coupled to the component part for connecting to the second part;
- at least one locator guide extension, where each locator guide extension is operably connected to one of the at least one locator, said locator guide extension adapted for providing initial alignment of the component part to respective apertures of the second part before the at least one locator provides the final locating;
- wherein each locator guide extension includes a first half integrally formed with a second half, where the second half is housed within a bore of the locator.
A component retention system for alignment of components of an assembly, comprising:
- a locator guide extension having a first portion with a larger diameter portion than a locator, and a second portion having a retention portion, said second portion retained within a hollow housing of the locator of a component part;
- wherein the larger diameter portion contacts a top of the locator to keep the first half outside the locator;
- wherein said locator guide extension is adapted to provide initial alignment of the component part to respective apertures of a second part of the component retention assembly and the housing of the at least one locator is adapted to fit through the aperture to provide a final fit/finish location for at least one attachment clip to connect the component part to the assembly.
A component retention system for connecting aligned components of a vehicle assembly, comprising:
- a first part;
- a second part selectively assembled to the first part and having at least one aperture;
- at least one locator guide extension coupled to the first part, each of the at least one locator guide extensions being insertable into a respective one of the at least one apertures for initial alignment of the first part to the second part;
- at least one attachment member selectively securing the connection of the first part to the second part;
- at least one locator provided on the first part and each connected to the at least one locator guide extension, wherein the locator provides final fit/finish location for the attachment member to connect to the second part;
- and
- wherein the locator guide extension is a single component that inserts into a hollow boss locator on the first part and is held in the locator by at least one attachment feature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.