Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods

A vehicle comprising:

• a body;
• and
• an elastically averaged alignment system integrally arranged with the body, the elastically averaged alignment system comprising:
• a first component comprising an inner surface and an alignment member extending therefrom;
• and
• a second component comprising a standoff having an inner wall at least partially defining an alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component, the standoff configured to engage and support the first component inner surface when the first and second components are coupled;
• wherein the alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation.

A method of manufacturing an elastically averaged alignment system, the method comprising:

• forming a first component having an inner surface and an alignment member extending therefrom;
• forming a second component having a standoff that includes an inner wall at least partially defining an alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component, the standoff configured to engage and support the first component inner surface when the first and second components are coupled;
• and
• forming the alignment member from an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation.