Electricity: conductors and insulators – Boxes and housings – With electrical device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-23
2001-04-24
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Boxes and housings
With electrical device
Reexamination Certificate
active
06222123
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to error proofing cap assemblies and a method for utilizing same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an error proofing cap assembly for protecting an electronic assembly prior to installation and for assisting in the installation of an electronic module on a mounting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Error proofing cap assemblies are commonly used on electronic modules such as those used in vehicles. These cap assemblies are used to insure that the electronic modules, and specifically fasteners positioned thereon, are not damaged during shipping. These cap assemblies also insure that the electronic modules are properly engaged to a supporting structure before the electronic modules are fastened during the assembly process.
With these current cap assemblies, a plastic cap is attached to an electronic module prior to its installation onto a supporting structure, such as those used in vehicles. In one current cap assembly, the cap is molded and has two protruding arms that attach the cap to the electronic module. The protruding arms are each snapped into a side recess that is integrally formed on the electronic module. The communication of the protruding arms with the recesses allows the cap assembly to be slid between a fastener engaging position and a fastener unengaging position.
In the fastener engaging position, this prior cap assembly covers a pre-attached fastener, which has a head at one end and a “torx”™-type tip on an opposing threaded end. The electronic module is then seated on the mounting, where the error proofing cap assembly is located in a keyhole slot on the mounting so it can be moved between the fastener engaging position and the fastener unengaging position. When the electronic module is fully seated and in the fastener unengaging position, the head of the pre-attached fastener is fully exposed so that a socket can fit thereon for tightening. With this configuration, the electronic module will not be attached while only partially engaged into the keyhole slot. Another function of the cap assembly is to prevent removal thereof during installation of the electronic module, such as on an assembly line.
One drawback to these prior error proofing cap assembly designs is their complexity. Additionally, the designs that contain two protruding arms increase the cost of molding the part by increasing both the cost of making the mold itself and molding the part. The additional cost in molding the part correspondingly increases the cost per vehicle.
Another drawback of these prior error proofing cap assembly designs is that the protruding arms that hold the error proofing cap assembly in place are prone to breakage during manufacture and installation. This too can increase the cost per vehicle as well as resulting in dissociation of the cap assembly with the electronic module.
A further drawback of these current designs is that the electronic modules must be molded with side recesses to accept the protruding arms from the present cap assembly. This also increases the cost of manufacture of the module and further increases the cost per vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide an error proofing cap assembly that is less expensive to manufacture through the utilization of less material and simpler fabricating equipment.
In accordance with the objects of the present invention, an error proofing cap assembly for protecting a pre-attached fastener on an electronic module and assisting in the installation of the electronic module is provided. The error proofing cap assembly comprises a top portion for protecting an upper portion of the pre-attached fastener. The error proofing cap assembly also contains an annular ring for engaging the electronic module and the pre-attached fastener, where the annular ring has an opening that defines an inner periphery of the annular ring. The error proofing cap assembly also contains a ledge extending between the top portion and the annular ring, where the ledge can attach to a top mounting foot on the electronic module. The error proofing cap also comprises at least one flange extending downward from the annular for engaging with a keyhole slot formed on a mounting.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5488198 (1996-01-01), Kramer
patent: 5806139 (1998-09-01), Anderson et al.
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Estrada Angel R.
Funke Jimmy L.
Reichard Dean A.
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