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;
- and
- 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 the stiffener, wherein each engagement member comprises:
- a pad configured to contact the stiffener,
- a deformable flexure having a first end coupled to 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.
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, and
- 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 the stiffener, wherein each engagement member comprises:
- a pad configured to contact the stiffener, and
- a deformable flexure having a first end coupled to 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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.