Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Michael J Wightman

Steven Morris

Jennifer P Lawall

Ian S Buckley

Gordan N Noll

Carolyn J Thor

Houng Yue Chang

Chu M Tai

Ching-Hui Chiang

An elastically averaged alignment system includes a first component having first and second alignment features, and a second component having third and fourth elastically deformable alignment elements. The first and second components are laterally slidably engageable with each other. The third elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage with the first alignment feature. The fourth elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage with the second alignment feature. Portions of the third and fourth elastically deformable alignment elements when engaged with respective ones of the first and second alignment features elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first component relative to the second component in six orthogonal directions by averaging the elastic deformation of the respective elastically deformable alignment elements.

Alignment and retention system for laterally slideably engageable mating components

A door handle assembly for use with a vehicle door comprising a door paddle including an actuation arm, supported to pivot about a first axis such that lateral acceleration of the paddle and actuation arm relative to the door produces a first moment about the first axis, and masses engaged with the actuation arm and supported to pivot about a second axis, the masses being arranged such that lateral acceleration of the masses relative to the door produces a second moment about the first axis that is substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the first moment.

Inertia balanced vehicle outside door handle

Growing community of inventors

Fowlerville, MI, United States of America

Michael J Wightman