Creep locking retention mechanism (Clip)
AssigneeBorgWarner Inc.
InventorAndrew C. Shum
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device having an allowance for creeping is provided. The device includes: a base member having a receiving element; and an overlaying member, subject to creeping, overlaying on top of the base member, the overlaying member having a region at one end thereof, wherein a tip member is free from restriction or force exerted thereon due to creeping deformation thereof.
Claims13
A device having allowance for creeping, comprising:
- a base having a mating portion;
- and
- a face located on top of the base, wherein the face is subject to creep, the face comprising a clip, which mates with the mating portion of the base, that is free of force exerted on the face due to creeping deformation;
- wherein the clip is selectively engageable with the mating portion of the base.
A method of reducing stress during assembly of a device comprising a base having a mating portion and a face located on top of the base, wherein the face is subject to creep, the face comprising a clip-locking mechanism shaped to engage the mating portion of the base, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) assembling the face and the base such that the clip-locking mechanism is not engaged with the mating portion and is selectively engageable with the mating portion;
- and
- b)engaging the clip locking mechanism with the mating portion, when the device is deformed due to creep.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.