INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates generally to an alignment and retention member such as a pin.

Alignment members or pins are used to align two components relative to each other during assembly. The use of alignment pins is useful when aligning components where the alignment cannot be verified visually. However, stationary alignment pins may also be difficult to align visually with the mating hole, resulting in component damage or additional manufacturing time and complexity. Furthermore, the length of stationary alignment pins may be constrained due to component storage and transportation assemblies.

SUMMARY

Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a number of advantages. For example, embodiments according to the present disclosure enable alignment of two components during assembly using an articulating alignment and retention member that has an extended position and a collapsed position. In the extended position, the retention member is more visible to the installer. In the collapsed position, the retention member occupies a minimum package space.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an alignment member includes a first body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a second body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, the second body member coupled to the first body member such that the first and second body members define a longitudinal axis of the alignment member, a first base member coupled to the second body member, a second base member rotatably coupled to the first base member, and a locking mechanism configured to engage with the first base member. The first base member rotates relative to the second base member to position the alignment member from a first position to a second position and the locking mechanism engages with the first base member to retain the alignment member in the second position and the alignment member is configured to align a first component with a second component.

In some aspects, the first body member and the second body member form a cylindrical alignment pin.

In some aspects, the first body member is separable from the second body member.

In some aspects, the first position is a collapsed position in which the first and second body members are oriented parallel to the second base member.

In some aspects, the second position is an extended position in which the first and second body members are oriented perpendicular to the second base member.

In some aspects, the locking mechanism includes a locking member configured to engage with an upper surface of the first base member to retain the alignment member in the second position.

In some aspects, the locking mechanism is coupled to the second base member and the locking member is one of a locking tab, a wing lock, and a flexible cap.

In some aspects, the locking member is separable from the locking mechanism and includes one of a mechanical fastener and a clip.

In some aspects, the alignment member further includes at least one retention member flexibly coupled to the second body member.

In some aspects, the at least one retention member is an angled tab extending from the second body member and flexes between an unflexed position, a flexed position, and the unflexed position during an installation operation.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an alignment member includes a first body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a second body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, the first body member removably coupled to the second body member and the first and second body members defining a longitudinal axis of the alignment member, a retention member flexibly coupled to the second body member, a first base member coupled to the second body member, a second base member rotatably coupled to the first base member via a hinge member, and a locking mechanism coupled to the second base member and including a locking member configured to engage with the first base member. The first base member rotates relative to the second base member to position the alignment member from a first position to a second position and the locking mechanism engages with the first base member to retain the alignment member in the second position.

In some aspects, the first body member and the second body member form a cylindrical alignment pin.

In some aspects, the first position is a collapsed position in which the first and second body members are oriented parallel to the second base member.

In some aspects, the second position is an extended position in which the first and second body members are oriented perpendicular to the second base member.

In some aspects, the retention member is an angled tab extending from the second body member and the retention member flexes between an unflexed position and a flexed position during an installation operation.

In some aspects, the locking member is one of a locking tab, a wing lock, and a flexible cap.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle assembly includes a component assembly including a first vehicle component, a second vehicle component, and an alignment member coupled to the first vehicle component and configured to align the first vehicle component with the second vehicle component. The alignment member includes a first body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a second body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, the first body member removably coupled to the second body member and the first and second body members defining a longitudinal axis of the alignment member, a first base member coupled to the second body member, a second base member rotatably coupled to the first base member via a hinge member, and a locking mechanism coupled to the second base member and including a locking member configured to engage with the first base member. The first base member of the alignment member rotates relative to the second base member to position the alignment member from a first position to a second position, the locking mechanism engages with the first base member to retain the alignment member in the second position, and the alignment member engages with the second vehicle component to couple the first vehicle component with the second vehicle component.

In some aspects, the alignment member further includes a retention member flexibly coupled to the second body member.

In some aspects, the first position is a collapsed position in which the first and second body members are oriented parallel to the second base member and the second position is an extended position in which the first and second body members are oriented perpendicular to the second base member.

In some aspects, the locking member is one of a locking tab, a wing lock, and a flexible cap.

