US 2019/0241352 A1 · ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME

Abstract

In various implementations, a self-coupling initiator includes one or more integrated features that allow the initiator to be installed within a housing tube without a forming or fastening operation. For example, in some implementations, the integrated features are able to be coupled to a drop protection cap. The drop protection cap extends around at least a portion of a head portion of the initiator and abuts the structure of the outer housing so that force imparted on the drop protection cap from a drop test is transferred to a direct compression load on the cap and housing, instead of the force being transferred to the initiator. In addition, in some implementations, the initiator may include one or more clip features that allow the initiator to clip into the housing. In such embodiments, the drop protection cap may also prevent the clips from being disengaged with the housing.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An actuator assembly comprising:

a housing having an end wall, the end wall defining an opening;
an initiator comprising a head portion, the head portion defining at least one groove that extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the head portion;
and
a cap having an end face, a wall that extends from the end face in a first axial direction, a first arm, and a second arm, each arm having a proximal end coupled to the wall and a distal end that is free and spaced apart from the proximal end, the arms being biased radially inward,
wherein at least a portion of the arms slidably engage the at least one groove defined by the head portion, and a portion of the head portion extending axially outside of the housing is disposed within a cavity defined by the end face and wall of the cap.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Actuator assemblies and methods of assembling the same

Life of this patent

Actuator assemblies and methods of assembling the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20