IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0183062
(2011-07-14)
|
등록번호 |
US-8662455
(2014-03-04)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Hernandez, Christopher L.
- Egbert, Ryan A.
|
출원인 / 주소 |
|
대리인 / 주소 |
Thorpe North & Western LLP
|
인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
29 인용 특허 :
19 |
초록
▼
Embodiments of a spring clip retention system are provided for securing a generally cylindrical component, as are embodiments of a guided munition including a spring clip retention system. In one embodiment, the spring clip retention system includes a captive feature and a spring clip. The captive f
Embodiments of a spring clip retention system are provided for securing a generally cylindrical component, as are embodiments of a guided munition including a spring clip retention system. In one embodiment, the spring clip retention system includes a captive feature and a spring clip. The captive feature includes opposing ledges and a channel formed beneath and partially enclosed by the opposing ledges. The spring clip includes opposing retainer arms and a base portion, which extends between the opposing retainer arms and which is received within the channel. The spring clip deflects outward when the component is inserted between the opposing retainer arms. The base portion abuts the undersides of the opposing ledges when the spring clip is deflected outward by insertion of the component to prevent disengagement of the base portion from the captive feature in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the channel.
대표청구항
▼
1. A spring clip retention system for securing a generally cylindrical component in a desired position, the spring clip retention system comprising: a captive feature, comprising: opposing ledges; anda channel formed beneath and partially enclosed by the opposing ledges;a spring clip, comprising: op
1. A spring clip retention system for securing a generally cylindrical component in a desired position, the spring clip retention system comprising: a captive feature, comprising: opposing ledges; anda channel formed beneath and partially enclosed by the opposing ledges;a spring clip, comprising: opposing retainer arms configured to receive and resiliently retain the generally cylindrical component therebetween, the spring clip deflecting outward and increasing in width when the generally cylindrical component is inserted between the opposing retainer arms; anda base portion extending between the opposing retainer arms and received within the channel, the base portion operable to abut undersides of the opposing ledges upon the retainer arms being deflected outward in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the channel by insertion of the generally cylindrical component, wherein the outward deflection of the retainer arms prevents disengagement of the base portion from the captive feature in a second direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the channel. 2. A spring clip retention system according to claim 1 wherein the captive feature further comprises a longitudinal opening laterally bound by the opposing ledges and extending from an outer surface of the captive feature to the channel, the width of the longitudinal opening being less than the width of the channel and less than a maximum width of the base portion when the spring clip is deflected outward by insertion of the generally cylindrical component. 3. A spring clip retention system according to claim 2 wherein the maximum with of the base portion is greater than the width of the longitudinal opening when the spring clip is in a non-deflected state. 4. A spring clip retention system according to claim 2 wherein the spring clip is movable into a compressed deflected position prior to insertion of the generally cylindrical component by squeezing together the opposing retainer arms, the maximum width of the base portion being less than the width of the longitudinal opening in the compressed deflected position to permit insertion of the base portion into the channel through the longitudinal opening during assembly of the spring clip retention system. 5. A spring clip retention system according to claim 1 wherein at least one end of the channel is open in an axial direction, and wherein the base portion of the spring clip is slidably inserted into the channel through the open end. 6. A spring clip retention system according to claim 1 wherein the spring clip has a substantially hourglass-shaped end profile when moving from the retainer arms to the base portion. 7. A spring clip retention system according to claim 1 wherein the spring clip consists of a unitary resilient piece. 8. A spring clip retention system according to claim 1 wherein the captive feature further comprises: a U-shaped main body into which the channel is formed, wherein the opposing ledges extend inwardly from the U-shaped main body to partially enclose the channel and define, at least in part, a longitudinal opening. 9. A spring clip retention system according to claim 8 wherein the base portion contacts inner surfaces of the opposing ledges when the base portion is received by the channel and the spring clip is deflected outward by insertion of the generally cylindrical component. 10. A spring clip retention system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one axial location feature fixedly coupled to the captive feature and contacting the spring clip to prevent axial sliding of the base portion within the inner channel. 11. A spring clip retention system according to claim 10 wherein the at least one axial location feature comprises a protruding member extending from the channel to engage the base portion of the spring clip. 12. A spring clip retention system according to claim 11 wherein the base portion has an aperture therein, and wherein the protruding member extends into the aperture. 13. A spring clip retention system according to claim 12 wherein the protruding member comprises a dowel pin. 14. A spring clip retention system according to claim 1 further comprising a vehicular frame member to which the captive feature is fixedly coupled. 15. A spring clip retention system according to claim 14 wherein the captive feature is integrally formed with the vehicular frame member. 16. A spring clip retention system according to claim 14 wherein the vehicular frame member comprises a seeker bulkhead of a guided munition. 17. A spring clip retention system for securing a generally cylindrical component within a vehicle, the spring clip retention system comprising: a vehicular mounting structure;a captive feature integrally formed with the vehicular mounting structure, captive feature comprising: an outer surface;an inner channel; andan longitudinal opening extending from the outer surface to the inner channel, the width of the inner channel exceeding the width of the longitudinal opening; anda spring clip, comprising: opposing retainer arms configured to receive and retain the generally cylindrical component therebetween, the retainer arms deflecting outward orthogonally to the channel when the generally cylindrical component is inserted between the opposing retainer arms; anda base portion extending from the opposing retainer arms, through the longitudinal opening, and into the inner channel in a first direction, wherein a maximum width of the base portion exceeds the width of the longitudinal opening upon the orthogonally outward deflection of the retainer arms with respect to the channel upon insertion of the generally cylindrical component, wherein the retainer arm deflection prevents disengagement of the base portion from the captive feature in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. 18. A guided munition, comprising: a munition mounting structure;a generally cylindrical component; anda spring clip retention system, comprising: a captive feature fixedly coupled to the munition mounting structure, the captive feature having an outer surface, an inner channel, and a longitudinal opening extending from the outer surface to the inner channel, the width of the inner channel exceeding the width of the longitudinal opening; anda spring clip, comprising: opposing retainer arms resiliently retaining the generally cylindrical component therebetween, the spring clip deflecting outward when the generally cylindrical component is inserted between the opposing retainer arms; anda base portion extending from the opposing retainer arms, through the longitudinal opening, and into the inner channel in a first direction, wherein a maximum width of the base portion is caused to exceed the width of the longitudinal opening upon the retainer arms being deflected orthogonally outward from the channel by insertion of the generally cylindrical component, which deflection prevents disengagement of the base portion from the captive feature in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction to secure the generally cylindrical component to the munition mounting structure. 19. A guided munition according to claim 18 wherein the generally cylindrical component comprises an electromagnetic interference suppressor core. 20. A guided munition according to claim 18 wherein the munition mounting structure comprises a seeker bulkhead.
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