Non-binding alignment pin

Abstract

An alignment pin for use in aligning two structures that are to be joined or mated. The alignment pin includes a shank portion and at least one register portion configured for insertion into a mating hole and aligning the mating hole thereon. The register portion includes an outer surface comprising a plurality of contact regions separated by intervening relief regions of a lesser lateral extent than the contact regions. Any suitable number of contact regions may be incorporated on the outer surface of the register portion, and the contact regions need not be equidistantly spaced about the outer surface. The contact regions may be disposed on the ends of a plurality of fins extending from the register portion and separated on either side by the relief regions. Junk slots for removing debris from between the alignment pin and the wall of the mating hole are provided by the relief regions. The plurality of contact and relief regions on the outer surface of the register portion minimizes the overall physical dimensions of the surface area of the alignment pin in contact with the surface of the mating hole.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.