Couplings between cases

Abstract

An apparatus includes an inner member having: a first exterior surface, a first interior surface opposite to the first exterior surface, and a plurality of spaced-apart receptacles. Each receptacle: is defined by one or more interior sidewalls of the inner member, is perpendicular to the first exterior surface and the first interior surface, and spans a space between and including the first exterior surface and the first interior surface. The apparatus includes an outer member having: a second exterior surface, a second interior surface opposite to the second exterior surface, and a plurality of spaced-apart beam members. Each beam member corresponds to one of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles, is integrally formed with the outer member, is configured to flex about its center, is perpendicular to a beam longitudinal axis, and has an aperture at its center, the aperture defined by interior walls of the beam member.

Description

Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCTCOUPLINGS BETWEEN CASESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application for patent claims priority to and the benefit of provisional patent application number 63 / 709,081 entitled “Couplings Between Cases” filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on October 18, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below in its entirety and for all applicable purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects described herein are generally related to couplings and coupling structures, and more particularly to couplings between cases housing machinery, such as turbomachinery.BACKGROUND

[0003] Turbomachinery encompasses machines that transfer energy between a rotor and a fluid. In some aspects, the fluid may be a gas, while in other aspects, the fluid may be a liquid. Turbomachinery may be categorized according to the direction of the flow of fluid through the turbomachinery. For example, axial flow machines employ fluid that aligns with a rotor’s axis of rotation; radial (or centrifugal) flow machines employ fluid having a flow that is perpendicular to the rotor. Some categories of turbomachinery include turbines, compressors, and turbo-pumps.

[0004] Turbines operate by transferring energy from a fluid to a rotor. Examples of turbines include but are not limited to, steam turbines used in power plants, gas turbines used in aircraft engines, wind turbines used to generate electricity from wind, and water turbines that harness the energy of flowing water. The rotating blades of these turbines extract energy from steam, air, or water, converting it into mechanical work.

[0005] Compressors and turbo-pumps operate by transferring energy from a rotor to a fluid. Jet engines, for instance, use compressors to increase the pressure of incoming air before combustion. This process enhances engine efficiency and thrust. Liquid-fueledAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT rockets, for example, use turbo-pumps to force immense volumes of liquid fuel and liquid oxidizer into a combustion chamber of the rocket motor in very short periods.

[0006] Engineers and scientists engage in ongoing work to improve the manufacturability of turbomachinery of all types, including but not limited to improving the cases that enclose the turbomachinery.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the examples disclosed and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the examples can be gained by considering the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

[0008] In one example, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inner member having: a first exterior surface, a first interior surface opposite to the first exterior surface, and a plurality of spaced-apart receptacles. Each receptacle: is defined by one or more interior sidewalls of the inner member, is perpendicular to the first exterior surface and the first interior surface, and spans a space between and including the first exterior surface and the first interior surface. The apparatus includes an outer member having: a second exterior surface, a second interior surface opposite to the second exterior surface, the second interior surface configured to slidably receive the first exterior surface of the inner member, and a plurality of spaced-apart beam members. Each beam member corresponds to one of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles, is integrally formed with the outer member, is configured to flex about its center, perpendicular to a beam longitudinal axis, and has an aperture at its center, the aperture defined by interior walls of the beam member.

[0009] In another example, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inner member having: a first exterior surface, a first interior surface opposite to the first exterior surface, a first end established where the first exterior surface and the first interior surface intersect proximally to the inner member, and a ridge formed integral with and extending from the first exterior surface, the ridge spaced-apart from the first end by a predetermined distance. The apparatus has an outer member including: a second exterior surface, second interior surface opposite to the second interior surface, a second end established where the second exterior surface and the second interior surface intersect proximally toAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT the outer member, a retaining member adjacent to the second end, a plurality of spring bars spaced around and integrally formed with the outer member and adjacent to the retaining member, and a wire entry port defined by sidewalls within the retaining member. The apparatus also includes a wire. According to this aspect, the inner member is configured to be slidingly received within the outer member, and a space defined between the ridge and the retaining member is configured to receive the wire therein.

[0010] In another example, an apparatus configured to couple a first case to a second case is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first plurality of crenellations crowning a first edge of the first case and forming a first interrupted flange at a first crenellation edge distal from the first edge, a second plurality of crenellations crowning a second edge of the second case and forming a second interrupted flange at a second crenellation edge distal from the second edge, and a retaining wire. In the example, the first plurality of crenellations is received within the second plurality of crenellations, and the retaining wire occupies a space defined between alternating first faces and second faces of the first interrupted flange and the second interrupted flange, respectively, to secure the first case to the second case. Examples of the apparatus and methods described herein are provided in the detailed description below and shown in the drawings appended hereto.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the examples and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the aspects disclosed herein.

[0012] FIG. 1 A is an elevation view of the facing ends of a truncated pair of cases, such as turbomachinery cases, and respective integral flanges configured to couple the facing ends of the truncated pair of cases to one another according to the prior art.

[0013] FIG. 1 B is an elevation view of the truncated pair of cases and respective integral flanges of FIG. 1A in a coupled engagement according to the prior art.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of facing ends of a truncated pair of cases, such as turbomachinery cases, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2B is a left-side elevation view of the first case of FIG. 2A looking into a first end according to some aspects of the disclosure.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT

[0016] FIG. 2C is a right-side elevation view of the second case of FIG. 2A looking into a second end according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2D is the front elevation view of FIG. 2A after the first case and the second case are coupled to one another according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front-left-top perspective view of the inner member of FIG. 2A received within the outer member of FIG. 2A according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top-left perspective view of a beam member in a coupled arrangement with a post according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the inner member, the outer member including the beam member, and the post of FIG. 4, taken in the cross-section plane 5-5 according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a beam member of FIG. 4 taken in a cross-section plane similar to the cross-section plane 5-5 of FIGs. 4 and 5 according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-section of a beam member of FIG. 4 taken in a cross-section plane similar to the cross-section plane 5-5 of FIGs. 4 and 5 according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of facing ends of a truncated pair of cases including an apparatus configured as a coupling between cases, such as turbomachinery cases, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8B is a left-side elevation view of the first case of FIG. 8A looking into a first end according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 80 is a right-side elevation view of the second case of FIG. 8A looking into a second end according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 8D is the front elevation view of FIG. 8A after the first case and the second case are coupled to one another according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-section in the X-Y plane of some features of a portion of an apparatus configured as a coupling between cases according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a portion of an outer member, similar to the outer member of FIGs. 8A, 80, and 8D according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the retaining member superimposed on a portion of the first case and depicting a wire received within the wire entry port accordingAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0030] FIGs. 12, 13, and 14 are cross-sections in the X-Y plane of some features of the inner member associated with the first case and the outer member associated with the second case of FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a cross-section in the X-Y plane of some features of an inner member associated with a first case and an outer member associated with a second case according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of engaged pairs of coupling features of a pair of cases, such as turbomachinery cases, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pair of cases, such as turbomachinery cases, including coupling features according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 18A is a cross-section view of certain flanges taken in the cross-sectional plane 18-18 of FIG. 17 according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 18B is a cross-section of the flanges of FIG. 18A, while the flanges are fixed together by a bolt and a nut according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of facing ends of a truncated pair of cases including an apparatus configured as a coupling between cases, such as turbomachinery cases, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 20 is a partial view of the first case and the second case of FIG. 19 according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second case of FIG. 20 according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first case of FIG. 20 according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 23 is the cross-sectional view taken in the plane 23-23 of FIG. 20 according to some aspects of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The particular values and configurations discussed in the following non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or more examples and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0042] Examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT accompanying drawings. The examples disclosed herein can be modified within the scope of this disclosure and should not be construed as being limiting; rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0043] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some examples, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0045] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in one example” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same example and the phrase “in another example” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different example. It is intended that the scope of disclosure may encompass subject matter of one or more examples in whole or in part.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT

[0047] It will be understood that particular examples described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations. Aspects described herein can be employed in various examples without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific aspects and procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure and are covered by the claims.

[0048] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and / or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

[0049] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0050] The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0051] All of the aspects disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the aspects have been described in terms of preferred examples, it will be apparent to those of skill in theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT art that variations may be applied to the aspects described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the disclosure and claims. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0052] Described herein are various examples of coupling features that may be used to couple cases (e.g., housings), such as turbomachinery cases, together. Although exemplified with cylindrical turbomachinery cases, the disclosure is not limited to cylindrical turbomachinery cases. The aspects described herein may find application in other shapes and other use cases.

[0053] Bolted flanges are one mechanism of coupling cases (e.g., structures, housings, enclosures) together; however, they have a drawback in terms of size. For example, in a cylindrical case having a flat disk-shaped flange protruding radially outward from the cylindrical case, the outer diameter of the flange may intrude into spaces that could otherwise be occupied by machinery, electronics assemblies, wiring harnesses, fuel, or other liquid conveying lines, to name a few examples. On small engines, the protrusion of a flange from a case (or cases coupled together by mating flanges) may adversely impact the fitting of the small engine into an engine bay. In other non-limiting examples involving cases (or other structures) printed three-dimensionally on a plate or platen of a three- dimensional printer, the presence of the flange takes up valuable space surrounding the case. It, therefore, may limit the number of parts that can be printed on a single plate or platen.

[0054] Mating turbomachinery cases may be formed with flanges that may be bolted together. Flanges require specific amounts of mating surface area. Too little surface area may limit the force exerted on mating flanges and may tend to allow the mating flange surfaces to become less than parallel. Accordingly, flanges require specific diameters to perform the actions required of the flanges adequately. In engine applications where there is limited space, it can be challenging to fit a flange. Described herein are alternatives to flange-implemented coupling structures.

[0055] FIG. 1A is an elevation view of facing ends (a first end 102 and a second end 104) of a truncated pair of cases (a first case 106 and a second case 108), such as turbomachinery cases, and respective integral flanges (a first integral flange 110 and second integral flange 112) configured to couple the facing ends of the truncated pair of cases to one another according to the prior art. The first integral flange 110 may be madeAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT integral by welding the first integral flange 110 to the first end 102 of the first case 106. The second integral flange 112 may be made integral by welding the second integral flange 112 to the second end 104 of the second case 108. As an alternative to welding, the first integral flange 110 and the second integral flange 112 may be manufactured as integral parts (e.g., by milling from one common piece of raw material or by forging from one common piece of raw material) of the first case 106 and the second case 108.

[0056] As shown in the dimensioning associated with the second case 108, the outer diameter of the second case 108 (Dout-case) adjacent to the second integral flange 112 is less than the outer diameter of the second integral flange 112 (Dout-fiange). Accordingly, the second integral flange 112 protrudes radially outward from the second case 108.

[0057] FIG. 1 B is an elevation view of the truncated pair of cases and respective integral flanges of FIG. 1A in a coupled engagement. In order to couple the truncated pair of turbomachinery cases (i.e., first case 106 and second case 108) to one another, the first end 102 is juxtaposed next to the second end 104. A plurality of bolts, represented by bolt 114, are passed through a corresponding plurality of through-holes, represented by through-hole 116, passing through both the first integral flange 110 and the second integral flange 112. In the example of FIG. 1 B, the bolts pass into the through-holes from the second integral flange 112 side toward the first integral flange 110 side. A threaded portion of each bolt protrudes from the through-hole on the first integral flange 110 side. A respective plurality of nuts, represented by nut 118, are threaded onto the respective threaded portions of each bolt. Washers with or without lock washers may be installed with the bolts as known to persons having ordinary skill in the art; however, these items are omitted from the figure to avoid cluttering the drawing. The respective plurality of nuts, represented by nut 118, may be tightened onto the respective plurality of bolts, represented by bolt 114, to couple the first case 106 and the second case 108 to one another.

[0058] However, the configuration of FIGs. 1A and 1 B may be an inefficient use of space. The inefficiency may be due to the radial protrusion of the first integral flange 110 and the second integral flange 112 away from the surfaces of the first case 106 and the second case 108. The radial protrusion of the first integral flange 110 and the second integral flange 112 into the space around the first case 106 and the second case 108 manifests as an obstacle to the placement of mechanical parts within that space.

[0059] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of facing ends (a first end 202 and a secondAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT end 204) of a truncated pair of cases (a first case 206 and a second case 208), such as turbomachinery cases, according to some aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 2B is a left-side elevation view of the first case 206 of FIG. 2A looking into the first end 202 according to some aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 2C is a right-side elevation view of the second case 208 of FIG. 2A looking into the second end 204 according to some aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 2D is the front elevation view of FIG. 2A after the first case 206 and the second case 208 are coupled to one another according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one non-limiting example, the first case 206 and the second case 208 may be mating portions of a turbomachinery case.

[0060] The first case 206 may have a first case longitudinal axis (also referred to herein as an outer member longitudinal axis 232) and the second case 208 may have a second case longitudinal axis (also referred to herein as an inner member longitudinal axis 234). According to some aspects, when the first case 206 and the second case 208 are coupled, the first case longitudinal axis is coaxial with (or in some examples parallel with) the second case longitudinal axis.

[0061] As used herein, an apparatus may be an apparatus configured as a coupling between cases; however, the apparatus may be configured as a coupling between any two objects and as such will be referred to as the apparatus 200 herein. The apparatus 200 is understood as comprising a collective entirety of the first case 206 and the second case 208, a portion of the first case 206 and the second case 208, or those portions and surfaces of the first case 206 and the second case 208 which couple to one another. The illustrations of FIGs. 2A, 2B, 20, and 2D, depict the apparatus 200 as those portions and surfaces of the first case 206 and the second case 208 that couple to one another, and are referred to herein as the inner member 210 and the outer member 222, respectively, for ease of reference and without limitation.

[0062] The first case 206 includes an inner member 210 having a first exterior surface 212 and a first interior surface 216 opposite to the first exterior surface 212. The respective cross-sections of the first exterior surface 212 and the first interior surface 216 have the same geometric shapes; however, the respective cross-sections may have different geometric shapes. In the examples of FIGs. 2A, 2B, 20, and 2D, the geometric shapes are circles (i.e., the first case 206 is part of a cylinder whose cross-section is a circle); however, any geometric shape having any cross-section, including but not limited to a triangle, a circle, a semi-circle, a square, a rectangle, a parallelogram, a rhombus, aAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT trapezium, a polygon, or any curvilinear perimeter (e.g., consisting of or bounded by curved lines, represented by a curved line), or any combination thereof, is within the scope of the disclosure. Although the shapes (i.e., cross-section) of the first interior surface 216 and the first exterior surface 212 correspond in this example (i.e., they are both circles), the shapes of adjacent surfaces of the first interior surface 216 and the first exterior surface 212 may be different according to some aspects of the disclosure. For example, and without limitation, the first exterior surface 212 may have a cross-section of an octagon, and the first interior surface 216 may have a cross-section of a pentagon.

[0063] The inner member 210 also includes a plurality of spaced-apart receptacles, collectively and individually referred to herein as a receptacle 218. Each receptacle 218 may be: defined by one or more interior sidewalls (e.g., an interior sidewall 510 of FIG. 5, an interior sidewall 610 of FIG. 6, and an interior sidewall 710 of FIG. 7) of the inner member 210, perpendicular to the first exterior surface 212 and the first interior surface 216, and spans a space between and including the first exterior surface 212 and the first interior surface 216. The examples of FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 provided more detailed illustrations of examples of the spaced-apart receptacles. In each example, because the receptacle is cylindrical, each receptacle has one interior sidewall. If the receptacles were, for example, square, each receptacle would have four interior sidewalls. For example, in FIG. 6, a receptacle 608 is defined by an interior sidewall 610 of the inner member 210. It is perpendicular to and spans a space between and including the first exterior surface 212 and the first interior surface 216. The receptacle 608 has a smooth bore. For example, in FIG. 7, a receptacle 708 is defined by an interior sidewall 710 of the inner member 210. It is perpendicular to and spans a space between and including the first exterior surface 212 and the first interior surface 216. The receptacle 708 has a threaded bore.

[0064] Returning to FIGs. 2A, 2B, 20, and 2D, the second case 208 includes an outer member 222 having a second exterior surface 224 and a second interior surface 226 opposite to the second exterior surface 224. The respective cross-sections of the second exterior surface 224 and the second interior surface 226 have the same geometric shapes; however, the respective cross-sections may have different geometric shapes. Nevertheless, the second interior surface 226 may be configured to slidably receive the first exterior surface 212 of the inner member 210. Accordingly, the perimeters of the second interior surface 226 of the outer member 222 and the first exterior surface 212 of the inner member 210 may have the same geometric shapes, while the perimeter (orAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT diameter) of the second interior surface 226 may be larger than the perimeter (or diameter) of the first exterior surface 212 to facilitate the slidable engagement (e.g., slidable reception) of the first exterior surface 212 of the inner member 210 within the second interior surface 226 of the outer member 222.

[0065] The outer member 222 also includes a plurality of spaced-apart beam members, collectively and individually referred to herein as a beam member 228. According to some aspects, each beam member 228: corresponds to one of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles (exemplified by the receptacle 218, 508, 608, 708), is integrally formed with the outer member 222, is configured to flex about its center, perpendicularly to a beam longitudinal axis 430 (FIG. 4), and has an aperture 304 (FIG. 3) at its center, the aperture 304 defined by interior walls 306 of the beam member 228.

[0066] In more detail, as used herein, the beam member 228 may be a beam that is fixed at both ends and therefore, the center of the beam may be deflected or flexed while the fixed ends remain stationary. Each beam member 228 may have a beam longitudinal axis 430 (FIG. 4). Each beam member 228 may be configured to flex about its center (i.e. , flex about the center of the beam member 228 while both ends of the beam member 228 remain fixed to the outer member 222 (where both ends are fixed as both ends may be integrally formed with the outer member 222)). The flexing about the center may be perpendicular to the beam longitudinal axis 430. According to some aspects, the beam longitudinal axis 430 may be perpendicular to an outer member longitudinal axis 232. According to some aspects, when the outer member 222 is coupled to the inner member 210, the outer member longitudinal axis 232 may be coaxial with (or in some cases parallel with) an inner member longitudinal axis 234.

[0067] As indicated, in some examples described herein, each beam member 228 of the plurality of spaced-apart beam members may be integrally formed with the outer member 222 and may be configured to flex relative to a beam longitudinal axis 430 (FIG. 4). That is, the beam member 228 may be configured to flex about its center, perpendicularly to the beam longitudinal axis 430. In configurations where the inner member 210 is slidably received with the outer member 222, the flexure at the center of the beam member 228 may be along, or parallel to, an exterior surface 212 of the inner member 210 (as opposed to a flexure inward and outward from the outer member longitudinal axis 232. The flexure of the beam member 228 may be referred to as a transverse flexure or a transverse deflection.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT

[0068] Each beam member 228 may have an aperture 304 (FIG. 3) at its center (i.e., at the longitudinal and lateral centers of the beam member 228). The aperture 304 may be defined by interior walls 306 (FIG. 3) of the beam member 228. The aperture 304 may be configured to receive a post 220 terminated in a respective one of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles 218. The aperture 304 may be configured to be slidably displaced (e.g., from a first location occupied when the beam member 228 is straight and not flexed to a second location occupied when the beam member 228 is flexed about its center). The displacement may be due to a force applied to the beam member (e.g., applied to the center of the beam member, to the aperture of the beam member) by an external source (e.g., a tool) or a force (e.g., a preloaded tension) applied to the beam member by the post 220 exerting a force on interior walls 306 of the aperture 304. According to some aspects, the flexure of each beam member 228 may correspond to a displacement of the aperture 304 about the center of the aperture 304 perpendicularly to the beam longitudinal axis 430 in either direction that is parallel to the outer member longitudinal axis 232.

[0069] According to the examples of FIGs. 2A, 2B, 20, and 2D, the first case 206 may have a first case inner diameter, D1 , corresponding to the diameter of the first interior surface 216. The first case 206 may have an outer diameter, D2, corresponding to a first case outer diameter. The second case 208 may have the outer diameter, D2, corresponding to the outer diameter of the second case 208. The outer diameter of the second case 208 may be equal to the outer diameter, D2, of the first case 206 and both outer diameters may be equal to the outer diameter of the second exterior surface 224. The outer diameter of the first exterior surface 212 of the first case 206, and the inner diameter of the second case (the inner diameter of the second interior surface 226) may both be given as D3, where it will be understood that D3 of the inner member 210 will be less than D3 of the outer member 222 to allow clearance for the slidably inserted coupling of the inner member 210 within the outer member 222. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2D, the outer diameter, D2, of the first case 206 coupled to the second case 208 via the use of the inner member 210, and the outer member 222 is a constant diameter (compared to the step change in diameter of a coupled first case 106 and second case 108 of FIG. 1 , due to the presence of the first integral flange 110 and the second integral flange 112 as shown in FIGs. 1A and 1 B). In FIGs. 1A and 1 B, the first integral flange 110 and the second integral flange 112 exist as continuous flanges about the outer perimeters of theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT first case 106 and second case 108. The continuous first integral flange 110 and the second integral flange protrude outward from the outer surfaces of the coupled first case 106 and second case 108. The outward protrusion of the continuous first integral flange 110 and the second integral flange occupies space that could be used for equipment and presents an issue in fitting the coupled first case 106 and second case 108 into locations that may have limited space available for such a configuration of cases.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a front-left-top perspective view of the inner member 210 of FIG. 2A received within the outer member 222 of FIG. 2A according to some aspects of the disclosure. The non-illustrated portions of the first case 206 and the second case 208 (both as shown in FIGs. 2A and 2D) are omitted to avoid cluttering the drawing. An expanded view 301 of an exemplary portion of one of the plurality of spaced-apart beam members 228, depicting the aperture 304 defined by the interior wall(s) 306 of the beam member 228 in a coupled arrangement with the post 220, is depicted according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0071] As depicted in the expanded view 301 of one example, each of the plurality of spaced-apart beam members 228 includes a body 308 having a width (W) defined between spaced-apart slots 310, 312 in the outer member 222, Each of the spaced-apart slots 310, 312 spans a thickness of the outer member (e.g., spans between the second exterior surface 224 and the second interior surface 226 of the outer member 222, forms respective openings that pass through (e.g., penetrate) the outer member 222). Each of the spaced-apart slots 310, 312 may be defined by interior sidewalls 314, 316 of the outer member 222. The body 308 may have a length (L, see FIG. 4) defined by a longitudinal dimension of the spaced-apart slots 310, 312. The body 308 may have a thickness that is less than or equal to a distance between the second exterior surface 224 (FIG. 20) and the second interior surface 226 (FIG. 2C).

[0072] According to some aspects, an alignment slot 320 in the outer member 222 may be configured to receive an alignment pin 322 fixed to the inner member 210.

[0073] FIG. 4 is a top-left perspective view of a beam member 228 in a coupled arrangement with a post 220 (either formed integrally with the inner member 210, or received within a receptacle that is not shown but may be similar to the receptacle 218 of FIG. 2), according to some aspects of the disclosure. As depicted in the example of FIG. 4, the beam member 228 may be integrally formed with the outer member 222. The beam member 228 may have a beam longitudinal axis 430. The beam member 228 is configuredAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT to flex (see indication of positive and negative flexure forces, +F and -F) perpendicularly to the beam longitudinal axis 430 (and parallel to an outer member longitudinal axis 232). The beam member 228 may have an aperture 304 at the center of the beam member 228. The center of the beam member 228 may refer to a point that is equidistant from ends of the beam member in its length (L) dimension. However, apertures that are not centered along the length dimension of the beam member 228 are within the scope of the disclosure. The aperture 304 may be defined by interior walls 306 of the beam member 228. The aperture 304 may be configured to receive the post 220. The post 220 may be terminated in a respective one of the spaced-apart receptacles (each exemplified by the receptacle 218 of FIG. 2B). The aperture 304 may be configured to permit a slidable translation of the post 220 within the aperture 304, parallel to the beam longitudinal axis 430. Conversely, with the same outcome, the aperture 304 may be configured to permit a slidable translation of the aperture 304 around the post 220, parallel the beam longitudinal direction. According to some aspects, the post 220 and the aperture 304 may be sized so that the post 220 fits within the aperture 304 leaving room for the aperture 304 to translate along the X and Z axes relative to the post 220, while the post 220 is received in the aperture 304 and the beam member 228 is straight (other than transversely flexed).

[0074] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the inner member 210, the outer member 222 including the beam member 228, and the post 220 of FIG. 4, taken in the cross-section plane 5-5 according to some aspects of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 5, the post 220 is part of a spring-loaded post assembly 502. Other than an ability to depress the post 220 of the spring-loaded post assembly 502 (as will be explained in more detail below), the post 220 of FIGs. 2A difference between the spring-loaded post 220 of FIG. 5 and a non-spring-loaded post 6Apart from an ability to depress The spring-loaded post assembly 502 is depicted as being received in a receptacle 508 in the inner member 210. The spring-loaded post assembly 502 includes a housing 504, a spring 506 within the housing 504, and the post 220. In the example of FIG. 5, the post 220 is depicted as a right circular having a first diameter within the housing 504 and a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, protruding from the housing and into a space defined within the aperture 304. The portion of the post 220 having the first diameter may be referred to as the base of the post 220. An opening of the housing 504 has a diameter between the first diameter and the second diameter of the post 220. A ledge around the opening (withinAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT the housing 504) retains the post 220, which is biased to leave the housing by virtue of the force exerted on the post 220 by the spring 506. In other words, the spring 506 exerts a force tending to push the post 220 (also referred to as a spring-loaded post 220 in this configuration) out of the housing 504. The housing 504 retains the base of the post 220 and permits the remainder of the post 220 to extend outward from the housing 504.

[0075] According to some aspects, a tool (not shown) may be configured to depress each spring-loaded post 220 and maintain an outward-most surface 512 of the springloaded post 220 at or below the first exterior surface 212 of the inner member 210 as the inner member 210 is slidably inserted into the outer member 222. The tool (not shown) may include, for example, a band that wraps around the first exterior surface 212 of the inner member 210 and covers and compresses all spring-loaded posts simultaneously. The tool may be displaced, or otherwise removed from the first exterior surface 212 once the outward-most surface 512 of the spring-loaded post 220 is captured by the second interior surface 226 of the outer member 222. Gaps between the beam member 228 and walls of the slots 310, 312 may be narrower than the second diameter of the spring-loaded post 220, permitting the outward-most surface 512 of the spring-loaded post 220 to bridge the gaps as the spring-loaded post 220 slides beneath the gaps. Alternatively, a tool may be configured to fill the gaps between the beam member 228 and walls of the slots 310, 312 to prevent the spring-loaded post 220 to spring outward into the space defined by the gaps.

[0076] Once a spring-loaded post 220 enters into a space defined within the center of the aperture 304 and is no longer compressed by a tool or an underside of the aperture 304, the spring-loaded post 220 extends through the aperture 304 of the beam member 228 (e.g., by action of the spring exerting an outward force on the spring-loaded post 220). Accordingly, this presents one exemplary way in which the spring-loaded post 220 may be received within the aperture 304.

[0077] According to some aspects, a force (+F) may be applied perpendicularly to the beam longitudinal axis 430 of the beam member 228 (e.g., applied to the body of the beam member 228, applied to the aperture 304 at or near the longitudinal center of the beam member 228) to one or more of: pre-load the beam member 228 with tension, align the aperture 304 with a receptacle 508 of the plurality of receptacles, and permit the post 220 (e.g., the spring-loaded post 220 or any post such as posts 602, 604, 606, 702) to enter the aperture 304 and be received and fixed within the aperture 304. According toAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT some aspects, after the spring-loaded post 220 is received in the aperture 304, the force (+F) is removed and a portion of the interior walls 306 of the beam member 228 that define the aperture 304 exerts a lateral force (F-) on the spring-loaded post 220 to fix the springloaded post 220 in the aperture 304.

[0078] In the example of FIGs. 4 and 5, the spring-loaded post assembly 502 would be received in the receptacle of the inner member 210 before the inner member 210 was slidingly engaged within the outer member 222. However, according to other aspects, a non-spring-loaded post, such as, without limitation, a solid right circular cylinder 602 (including straight end(s) or as shown with tapered end(s)) (also referred to herein as a post), a coiled spring pin 604, a slotted spring pin 606, or a threaded post 702 may be received in the receptacle (e.g., receptacle 608 or receptacle 708 of FIGs. 6 or 7) of the inner member 210 after the inner member 210 was slidingly engaged within the outer member 222.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a beam member 228 of FIG. 4 taken in a crosssection plane similar to the cross-section plane 5-5 of FIGs. 4 and 5 according to some aspects of the disclosure. Reference numbers in FIG. 6 that correspond to reference numbers in FIGs. 2A, 2B, 20, 2D, 3, 4, and 5 refer to the same or similar features and will not be described again to reduce repetition. FIG. 6 depicts a coiled spring pin 604 and a slotted spring pin 606, either one of which may be inserted into the receptacle 608 after the inner member 210 is slidingly received within the outer member 222, and the receptacle 608 is aligned with the aperture 304. In other words, each of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles 608 receives a coiled spring pin 604 or a slotted spring pin 606 (i.e., receives a post) after the inner member 210 is received within the outer member 222, and each of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles 608 is aligned with a corresponding one of the aperture 304. In the example of FIG. 6, the interior sidewall(s) 610 of the receptacle 608 are smooth (i.e., the receptacle 608 has a smooth bore).

[0080] FIG. 7 is a cross-section of a beam member 228 of FIG. 4 taken in a crosssection plane similar to the cross-section plane 5-5 of FIGs. 4 and 5 according to some aspects of the disclosure. Reference numbers in FIG. 7 that correspond to reference numbers in FIGs. 2A, 2B, 20, 2D, 3, 4, and 5 refer to the same or similar features and will not be described again to reduce repetition. FIG. 7 depicts a threaded post 702 (depicted with knurling on the upper portion of the threaded post 702 and threads on the lower portion of the threaded post 702). The threaded post 702 may be threaded into theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT receptacle 708 after the inner member 210 is slidingly received within the outer member 222, and the receptacle 708 is aligned with the aperture 304. In other words, each of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles (like the receptacle 708) receives the threaded post 702 (i.e. , receives a post) after the inner member 210 is received within the outer member 222, and each of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles (similar to the receptacle 708) is aligned with a corresponding one of the aperture 304. In the example of FIG. 7, the interior sidewall(s) 710 of the receptacle 708 are threaded. According to some aspects, even if the receptacle 708 is threaded (as shown in FIG. 7), the receptacle 708 could still receive an appropriately sized coiled spring pin 604 or slotted spring pin 606.

[0081] In the examples of FIGs. 6 and 7, the post (e.g., coiled spring pin 604, slotted spring pin 606, threaded post 702) may be passed through the aperture 304 and into the receptacle (e.g., receptacle 608, receptacle 708) from the second exterior surface 224 toward the first interior surface 216. According to some aspects, a force (+F) may be applied perpendicularly to the beam member 228 to align the aperture 304 with the receptacle (e.g., receptacle 608, receptacle 708) and permit passage of the post (e.g., coiled spring pin 604, slotted spring pin 606, threaded post 702) through the aperture 304 and into the receptacle (e.g., receptacle 608, receptacle 708) from the second exterior surface 224 toward the first interior surface 216. In some examples, after the post (e.g., coiled spring pin 604, slotted spring pin 606, threaded post 702) is passed through the aperture 304 from the second exterior surface 224 toward the first interior surface 216 and fixed in the receptacle (e.g., receptacle 608, receptacle 708), a portion of the interior walls 306 of the beam member 228 exerts a lateral force (F-) on the post (e.g., coiled spring pin 604, slotted spring pin 606, threaded post 702) to retain the post (e.g., coiled spring pin 604, slotted spring pin 606, threaded post 702) in the (e.g., receptacle 608, receptacle 708).

[0082] FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of facing ends (a first end 802 and a second end 804) of a truncated pair of cases (a first case 806 and a second case 808) including an apparatus 800 configured as a coupling between cases, such as turbomachinery cases, according to some aspects of the disclosure. Although the apparatus is exemplified as an apparatus configured as a coupling between cases, the apparatus may be configured as a coupling between any two objects and as such will be referred to as the apparatus 200 herein. FIG. 8B is a left-side elevation view of the first case 806 of FIG. 8A looking into the first end 802 according to some aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 8C is aAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT right-side elevation view of the second case 808 of FIG. 8A looking into the second end 804 according to some aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 8D is the front elevation view of FIG. 8A after the first case 806 and the second case 808 are coupled to one another according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one non-limiting example, the first case 806 and the second case 808 may be mating portions of a turbomachinery case.

[0083] The first case 806 may have a first case longitudinal axis 832 and the second case 808 may have a second case longitudinal axis 834. According to some aspects, when the first case 806 and the second case 808 are coupled, the first case longitudinal axis 832 is coaxial with (or in some examples parallel with) the second case longitudinal axis 834.

[0084] As used herein, the apparatus 800 may be understood as comprising a collective entirety of the first case 806 and the second case 808, a portion of the first case 806 and the second case 808, or those portions and surfaces of the first case 806 and the second case 808 which couple to one another. The illustrations of FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, depict the apparatus 800 as those portions and surfaces of the first case 806 and the second case 808 that couple to one another, and are referred to herein as the inner member 810 and the outer member 822, respectively, for ease of reference and without limitation.

[0085] The first case 806 includes the inner member 810 having a first exterior surface 812 and a first interior surface 816 opposite to the first exterior surface 812 The respective cross-sections of the first exterior surface 812 and the first interior surface 816 have the same geometric shapes; however, the respective cross-sections may have different geometric shapes. In the examples of FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, the geometric shapes are circles (i.e., the first case 806 is part of a cylinder whose cross-section is a circle); however, any geometric shape having any cross-section, including but not limited to a triangle, a circle, a semi-circle, a square, a rectangle, a parallelogram, a rhombus, a trapezium, a polygon, or any curvilinear perimeter (e.g., consisting of or bounded by curved lines, represented by a curved line), or any combination thereof, is within the scope of the disclosure. Although the shapes (i.e., cross-section) of the first interior surface 816 and the first exterior surface 812 correspond in this example (i.e., they are both circles), the shapes of adjacent surfaces of the first interior surface 816 and the first exterior surface 812 may be different according to some aspects of the disclosure. For example, and without limitation, the first exterior surface 812 may have a cross-section of anAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT octagon, and the first interior surface 816 may have a cross-section of an oval.

[0086] The first case 806 also includes a ridge 840, which is exemplified as a rectangular or square body extending outwardly from (e.g., projecting from) the first exterior surface 812. Of course, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the ridge 840 to possess other cross-sections (e.g., and without limitation, trapezoidal, triangular, prismatic, square, rectangle, semi-circle). In the example of FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, the ridge 840 is depicted as extending continuously around the outer perimeter of the first case 806; however, the ridge 840 may be interrupted (e.g., non-continuous, segmented) according to some aspects of the disclosure. According to the example of FIG. 8B, the outer diameter of the ridge is given as Dredge. The inner portion of the ridge 840 coincides with the first exterior surface 812 (and may be formed integral with the first exterior surface 812. The first exterior surface 812 may have a first diameter, D1 . The first diameter, D1 , is less than the outer diameter of the ridge, Dredge.

[0087] The second case 808 includes an outer member 822 having a second exterior surface 824 and a second interior surface 826 opposite to the second exterior surface 824. The second case 808 also includes a second case interior surface 827. The respective cross-sections of the second exterior surface 824 and the second interior surface 826 have the same geometric shapes; however, the respective cross-sections may have different geometric shapes. In the examples of FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, the geometric shapes is are circles (i.e., the second case 808 is part of a cylinder whose cross-section is a circle); however, any geometric shape having any cross-section, including but not limited to a triangle, a circle, a semi-circle, a square, a rectangle, a parallelogram, a rhombus, a trapezium, a polygon, or any curvilinear perimeter (e.g., consisting of or bounded by curved lines, represented by a curved line), or any combination thereof, is within the scope of the disclosure.

[0088] The second interior surface 826 has a diameter given by D2, where D2 > Dre-idge. The difference between D2 and Dredge should be sufficient for D2 to provide clearance for the passage of the ridge 840 into the second case 808. An outer diameter, D3, of the second exterior surface 824 of the outer member 822 is larger than the diameter, D2, of the second interior surface 826. A case diameter, D1 , of both the first case 806 and the second case 808 may be less than the outer diameter, D3, of the second exterior surface 824 of the outer member 822.

[0089] The outer member 822 includes a plurality of spring bars 850, referred toAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT individually and collectively as a spring bar 850. The outer member 822 includes a retaining member 844, which has a wire entry port 846 incorporated therein. The exterior surface of the retaining member 844 and the second exterior surface 824 may be the same surfaces, as illustrated in FIGs. 8A and 8D. The wire entry port 846 is defined by sidewalls 1002 (FIG. 10) within the retaining member 844.

[0090] Turning to FIG. 8D and the elevation cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 (e.g., a cross-section in the X-Y plane) of the features of the first case 806 and the second case 808 according to some aspects of the disclosure. The inner member 810 may be slidingly engaged within the retaining member 844. The ridge 840 (a protrusion) may be formed integrally with the first case 806 as part of the first exterior surface 812 of the first case 806. A wire entry port 846, defined by internal sidewalls of the retaining member 844 (of the outer member 822), permits entry of a wire 842 into a space between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840. The wire 842 in the illustrated examples has a circular cross-section; however, the circular cross-section is exemplary and non-limiting. Any cross-section is within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the term “wire” is used for exemplary and non-limiting purposes. Other terms, such as but not limited to lace, lacing, bail, bailing, baling, band, belt, cincture, elongated structure of any crosssection, rib, ribbing, flexible rod are within the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the wire may be formed of any material, such as but not limited to metal, plastic, nylon, which may resist complete or partial deformation under the side-to-side compression loads or forces experienced by the wire as configured herein is within the scope of the disclosure.

[0091] The wire 842 may be threaded around the outer circumference of the inner member 810 by inserting the wire 842 into the wire entry port 846 and pushing, advancing, forcing, encouraging the wire 842 to advance within the space between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840 until at least the tip of the wire 842 first inserted into a first end of the wire entry port 846 is visible at a second end (opposite to the first end) of the wire entry port 846.

[0092] According to some aspects, a plurality of wire entry ports (not shown), similar to wire entry port 846, may be spaced around the retaining member 844. Each of the plurality of wire entry ports (not shown) may be used as an inspection window to, for example, confirm that the wire 842 has passed under one of the plurality of wire entry ports (not shown) as the wire 842 is advanced into the space between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840. Alternatively, the wire 842 may be segmented, and each segment mayAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT be inserted into one of the plurality of wire entry ports (not shown). By including the wire 842 (either as a continuous wire or a segmented wire) around the circumference of the inner member 810, adjacent to a side of the ridge 840 distal from the first end 802 of the first case 806, after the first case 806 is slidingly engaged with the second case 808, the first case is prohibited from being slidingly disengaged from the second case 808 by virtue of the wire 842 occupying the space between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840. According to some aspects, the spring bar 850 (FIG. 8A, inset 8-8, FIG. 10) may exert a pre-loading force (e.g., -F as shown in FIG. 9) on the wire 842. The pre-loading force may cause the wire 842 to be fixedly retained in a space defined between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840.

[0093] Although the outer member 822 has a diameter greater than that of the outer surfaces of the first case 806 and the second case (e.g., D3 > D1 ), the intrusion of the outer member 822 into the radial space outside of the first case 806 and second case 808 (in a coupled state) may be less than the diameter of the exemplary first integral flange 110 and second integral flangel 12 as shown and described in connection with FIGs. 1A and 1 B.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a cross-section in the X-Y plane of some features of a portion of an apparatus 900 configured as a coupling between cases according to some aspects of the disclosure. Although the apparatus is exemplified as one being configured as a coupling between two cases, the apparatus may be configured as a coupling between any two objects and as such will be referred to as the apparatus 900 herein. The apparatus 900 may be similar to the apparatus 800 as shown and described in connection with FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D. As used herein, the apparatus 900 may be understood as comprising a collective entirety of a first case 906 and a second case 908, a portion of the first case 906 and the second case 908, or those portions and surfaces of the first case 906 and the second case 908 which couple to one another. The illustrations of FIG. 9 (and FIGs. 10-15), depict the apparatus 900 as those portions and surfaces of the first case 906 and the second case 908 that couple to one another, and are referred to herein as the inner member 910 and the outer member 922, respectively, for ease of reference and without limitation. As indicated, the apparatus 900 includes the inner member 910 associated with the first case 906 and the outer member 922 associated with the second case 908.

[0095] The inner member 910 of the first case 906 may include a first exterior surface 912, and a first interior surface 916 opposite to the first exterior surface 912. A descriptionAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT of the respective cross-sectional shapes of the inner member 910 (and of the first exterior surface 912 and the first interior surface 916) are the same as or similar to the descriptions given in association with FIGs. 8A, 8B, 80, and 8D and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0096] The inner member 910 also has a first end 902. The term “first end” as used herein signifies a dimensional location, a datum, an origin point from which a measurement may be referenced. The first end 902 may therefore refer to a point at a leading edge of the first case 906 where the first exterior surface 912 and the first interior surface 916 intersect. Accordingly, the inner member 910 has a first end 902 established where the first exterior surface 912 and the first interior surface 816 intersect proximally to the inner member 910.

[0097] In the example of FIG. 9, the inner member 910 includes a ridge 940 formed integral with and extending from the first exterior surface 912. The ridge 940 (e.g., a leading edge or a center or a known reference point on or associated with the ridge 940) may be spaced-apart from the first end 902 by a predetermined distance. The ridge 940 may be any shape configured to provide at least a first surface 944 (of the ridge 940) opposite to a second surface 946 formed in a retaining member 928 of the outer member 922 of the second case 908. A space 948 defined between the first surface 944 and the second surface 946 is configured to slidingly receive a wire 942 and / or fixedly retain the wire 942 between the retaining member 928 and the ridge 940.

[0098] In the example of FIG. 9, the outer member 922 of the second case 908 may include a second exterior surface 924 and a second interior surface 926 opposite to the second exterior surface 924. A description of the respective cross-sectional shapes of the outer member 922 (and of the second exterior surface 924 and the second interior surface 926) are the same as or similar to the descriptions given in association with FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0099] The outer member 922 also has a second end 904. The term “second end” as used herein signifies a dimensional location, a datum, an origin point from which a measurement may be referenced. The second end 904 may therefore refer to a point at a leading edge of the second case 908 where the second exterior surface 924 and the second interior surface 926 intersect. Accordingly, the outer member 922 has a second end 904 established where the second exterior surface 924 and the second interior surface 926 intersect proximal to the outer member 922.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT

[0100] The outer member 922 may include a retaining member 928 adjacent to the second end 904. The outer member 922 may include a plurality of spring bars 950, similar to the spring bars 850 as shown and described in connection with FIG. 8A and 8D, spaced around and integrally formed with the outer member 922 and adjacent to the retaining member 928. The outer member 922 may also include a wire entry port 930 defined by sidewalls 1002 (FIG. 10) within the retaining member 928.

[0101] According to some aspects, the second exterior surface 924 and the second interior surface 926 intersect proximal to the outer member 922 at an outside leading edge surface of the retaining member 928. According to such aspects, the outside leading edge surface of the retaining member 928 and the second end 904 of the outer member 922 (or the second end of the outer member 922 of the second case 908) are coincident in location.

[0102] The retaining member 928 may include the second surface 946 mentioned above. The second surface 946 of the retaining member 928 (of the outer member 922 of the second case 908) is formed in an underside of the retaining member 928 (i.e. , a side facing the first exterior surface 912 of the inner member 910 when the inner member 910 is slidingly received within the outer member 922). The first surface 944 of the ridge 940 and the second surface 946 of the retaining member 928 may complement each other when the inner member 910 when the inner member 910 is slidingly received within the outer member 922. For example, if a wire (or a flexible rod, or an object having a circular cross-section) is inserted into the space 948 defined between the first surface 944 and the second surface 946, the opposing surfaces of the first surface 944 and the second surface 946 may be semi-circular with their concave portions facing or substantially facing each other. In this way, the wire, which has a circular cross-section, will be captured between and fixed between the semi-circular faces of the first surface 944 and the second surface 946. The space 948 defined between the first surface 944 and the second surface 946 may be configured to slidingly receive the wire 942 (or other flexible object) and / or fixedly retain the wire 942 between the retaining member 928 and the ridge 940.

[0103] According to some aspects, the inner member 910 may be configured to be slidingly received within the outer member 922, and the space 948 defined between the ridge 940 and the retaining member 928 (or between the first surface 944 of the ridge 940 and the second surface 946 of the retaining member 928) may be configured to receive the wire 942 therein.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT

[0104] According to some aspects, the space 948 defined between the ridge 940 and the retaining member 928 may be further configured to permit advancement of a the wire 942 into the wire entry port 930 and along the space 948 in response to a force, +F, being exerted on the retaining member 928 in a direction that widens the space 948 defined between the ridge 940 and the retaining member 928, and retain the wire 942 in the space 948 defined between the ridge 940 and the retaining member 928 in response to the force, +F, being removed from the retaining member 928.

[0105] According to some aspects, the wire 942 may be slidingly received and fixedly retained in the space 948 defined between the ridge 940 and the retaining member 928 in response to a force, +F, being applied to and removed from, respectively, the retaining member 928.

[0106] According to some aspects, the space 948 defined between the ridge 940 and the retaining member 928 may be configured to permit advancement of the wire 942 into the wire entry port 930. The wire 942 may then be advanced through the space 948 in a configuration in which a force, +F, is exerted on the outer member 922 in a direction that widens the space 948 defined between the ridge 940 and the retaining member 928. The space 948 defined between the ridge 940 and the retaining member 928 may be further configured to retain the wire 942 in response to the force, +F, being removed from the retaining member 928.

[0107] In all cases, once the force, +F, is removed from the retaining member 928, a force, -F, acting to reduce the width of the space 948, may be realized by virtue of the spring-like forces natively present in the spring bar 950.

[0108] According to some aspects, the wire 942 may be fixedly retained in the space 948 defined between the ridge 940 and the retaining member 928 in response to the force, +F, being removed from the retaining member 928, which results in an opposite force, -f, stored in the spring bar 950 acting to draw the second surface 946 toward the first surface 944.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a portion of the outer member 922 (of the second case 908), similar to the outer member 822 of FIGs. 8A, 80, and 8D according to some aspects of the disclosure. The front elevation view includes portions of the spring bar 950, the retaining member 928, and the wire entry port 930 defined by (and within) sidewalls 1002 within the retaining member 928 according to some aspects of the disclosure. The second end 904 and the second exterior surface 924 of the second caseAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT908 are identified.

[0110] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the retaining member 928 superimposed on a portion of the first case 906 and depicting a wire 942 received within the wire entry port 930 according to some aspects of the disclosure. The first exterior surface 912 of the first case 906 as well as the second end 904 and the second exterior surface 924 of the second case 908 are identified for reference.

[0111] FIGs. 12, 13, and 14 are cross-sections in the X-Y plane of some features of the inner member 810 associated with the first case 806 and the outer member 822 associated with the second case 808 of FIGs. 8A, 8B, 80, and 8D according to some aspects of the disclosure. In FIGs. 12, 13, and 14, the left edges of the ridge 840 are aligned with each other. The distance between the left edge of the ridge 840 and the first end 802 is referred to as a fixed distance, Dpixed). A tension force, F2, is applied to the spring bar 850 to move the right edge of the spring bar 850 toward or away from the left edge of the ridge 840 (thereby narrowing or widening the space (948, FIG. 9) defined between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840, respectively). In FIGs. 12, 13, and 14, the distance is normalized to the dimension D1 shown in FIG. 12.

[0112] In FIG. 12, the tension force, F1 , on the spring bar 850 is given by F1 = k*(D1 - D1 ) = 0. F1 =0 represents the system at rest. In other words, no force is exerted in any direction on the retaining member 844. The system is at rest. A first distance, DA, is defined by the space (948, FIG. 9) defined between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840. The first distance DA is less than the diameter of the wire 842. In this configuration, the wire 842 could not be received in the wire entry port 846 (FIG. 8D). In other words, the distance between retaining faces is less than the wire 842 diameter (Dw) (i.e., DA< DW).

[0113] In FIG. 13, the tension force, F2, on the spring bar 850 is given by F2 = k*(D2- Di). In this example, F2 > 0. There is a force pulling the end of the retaining member 844 away from the ridge 840. The system is under tension. A second distance, DB, is defined by the space (948, FIG. 9) defined between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840. The second distance DB is greater than the diameter of the wire 842 diameter (Dw) (i.e., DB > Dw). The wire 842 could be received in the wire entry port 846 (FIG. 8D) and could be made to advance within the space (948, FIG. 9) defined between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840.

[0114] In FIG. 14, the tension force, F3, on the spring bar 850 is given by F3 = k*(Ds-Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCTDi). In this example, F2 > F3 > 0. There is a force pulling the end of the retaining member 844 toward the ridge 840. The system is under tension. F3 is the preload remaining in the stretched spring bars due to the trapped wire displacing them from the at-rest-position. A third distance, De, is defined by the space (948, FIG. 9) defined between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840. The third distance De is equal to the diameter of the wire 842 diameter (Dw) (i.e., De = Dw). The wire 842 is retained within the space defined between the retaining member 844 and the ridge 840.

[0115] FIG. 15 is a cross-section in the X-Y plane of some features of an inner member 1510 (similar to the inner member 810 of FIG. 8 and inner member 910 of FIG. 9) associated with a first case 1506 (similar to the first case 806 of FIG. 8 and first case 906 of FIG. 9) and the outer member 1522 (similar to outer member 822 of FIG. 8 and outer member 922 of FIG. 9) associated with a second case 1508 (similar to the second case 808 of FIG. 8 and second case 908 of FIG. 9) according to some aspects of the disclosure. In contrast to a distinct and separate wire 842 as shown and described in connection with FIGs. 8D and 12-14 or the distinct and separate wire 942 as shown and described in connection with FIGs. 9 and 11 , in the example of FIG. 15 a retaining feature 1542 could be formed integral with the first case 1506; and moreover, integral with the ridge 1540 (similar to the ridge 840 as shown and described in connection with FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8D, and 12-14 and the ridge 940 as shown and described in connection with FIGs. 9 and 11 ). According to some aspects, the retaining feature 1542 may be configured as a bump, a lip, or the like.

[0116] In the example of FIG. 15, the outer member 1522 of the second case 1508 may be configured to flex radially outward (in the y-axis direction in the cross-section of FIG. 15) until the retaining member 1544 clears the retaining feature 1542 formed integrally with the first case 1506 (e.g., the inner member 1510 of the first case 1506). The example of FIG. 15 may be similar to the example of FIG. 8-14 (e.g., similar to an annular wire fitting) but would provide for an annular snap fitting, where the spring bar 1550 (similar to the spring bar 850 of FIGs. 8A, 8D, and 12-14 and the spring bar 950 of FIGs. 9 and 10), could be employed and configured to provide preload on a joint between the outer member 1522 and the inner member 1510. That is, to exert a force such that the second surface 1536 of the retaining member 1544 is forced against the first surface 1534 of the retaining feature 1542 of the ridge 1540. Of course, the ridge 1540 and the retaining feature 1542 may be any shape configured to be received within at least a portion of theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT second surface 1536 (of the retaining member 1544).

[0117] In the example of FIG. 15, the inner member 1510 may include a first exterior surface 1512, a first interior surface 1516 opposite to the first exterior surface 1512, a first end 1502 established where the first exterior surface 1512 and the first interior surface 1516 intersect proximal to the inner member 1510, and a ridge 1540 formed integral with and extending from the first exterior surface 1512, the ridge 1540 being spaced-apart from the first end 1502 by a predetermined distance, and the ridge 1540 including a retaining feature 1542. Details of the preceding features are the same or similar to details of similarly named features in FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C,8D, and 9-10 and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0118] In the example of FIG. 15, the outer member 1522 may include a second exterior surface 1524, a second interior surface 1526 opposite to the second interior surface 1526, a second end 1504 established where the second exterior surface 1524 and the second interior surface 1526 intersect proximal to the outer member 1522, a retaining member 1544 adjacent to the second end 1504, a plurality of spring bars 1550 spaced around and integrally formed with the outer member 1522 and adjacent to the retaining member 1544, the retaining member 1544 including a second surface 1536 that faces a first surface 1534 of the retaining feature 1542. Details of the preceding features are the same or similar to details of similarly named features in FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C,8D, and 9-10 and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0119] According to some aspects, the inner member 1510 may be configured to be slidingly received within the outer member 1522 and the retaining feature 1542 is configured to be fixedly retained by the second surface 1536 of the retaining member 1544.

[0120] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of engaged pairs of coupling features of a pair of cases 1600, such as turbomachinery cases, according to some aspects of the disclosure. A first case 1606 may be an inner case and a second case 1608 may be an outer case.

[0121] The first case 1606 may include a plurality of posts, represented by a post 1620 in the expanded view 1601 of a portion of the pair of cases 1600. The plurality of posts, such as post 1620, may either be configured as one piece with the first case 1606 (e.g., formed integrally with the first case, printed integrally with the first case) or received in a corresponding plurality of receptacles, such as receptacle 1622. According to one example, each of the plurality of posts, such as post 1620, has a fixed height and remainsAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT stationary with respect to the first case 1606.

[0122] The second case 1608 may include a plurality of spaced-apart channels 1610 (e.g., first slots defined by sidewalls within the second case 1608) that pass through (e.g., penetrate) the second case 1608. The plurality of spaced-apart channels 1610 may be configured to form a spring-like structure around a circumference of the second case 1608. The spring-like structure may facilitate an outward (e.g., perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 1602 of the second case 1608) flexure of the second case 1608 in a flex direction 1604 as shown in the illustration of FIG. 16. The spring-like structure may also facilitate some rotational freedom of the second case 1608 (e.g. , freedom of a first portion of the second case 1608 in front of the plurality of spaced-apart channels 1610 to rotate to some degree relative to a second portion of the second case 1608 behind the plurality of spaced-apart channels 1610 and vice versa. The terms “in front of” and “behind” may be understood relative to locations along the longitudinal axis 1602 of the second case 1608.

[0123] The second case 1608 may also include a plurality of spaced-apart apertures (e.g., second slots defined by sidewalls within the second case 1608), represented by the aperture 1636, that pass through (e.g., penetrate) the second case 1608. Each of the plurality of apertures, as shown in connection with the aperture 1636, may be associated with a respective longitudinal axis 1630.

[0124] Each of the plurality of posts configured with or fixed to the first case 1606, such as the post 1620, may be received in a respective one of the plurality of spaced-apart apertures, such as the aperture 1636, configured with second case 1608. Using the aperture 1636 and the post 1620 as representative examples of the plurality of spaced- apart apertures and the respective plurality of posts, Each aperture 1636 may be configured to receive a post 1620 and permit a slidable translation of the post 1620 within the aperture 1636, parallel to the longitudinal axis 1630 (e.g., after the post 1620 is received within the aperture 1636). The slidable translation of the post 1620 within the aperture 1636 facilitates a rotational translation of the first case 1606 relative to the second case 1608, while the first case 1606 is received within the second case 1608. Accordingly, the slidable translation of the post 1620 within the aperture 1636 (from the perspective of, or relative to, the aperture 1636) or the slidable translation of the aperture 1636 around the post 1620 (from the perspective of, or relative to, the post 1620) may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 1630 of the aperture 1636. Additionally, the width of theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT aperture 1636, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1630, may provide for translation of the first case 1606 relative to the second case 1608 parallel to the

[0125] By virtue of the flex direction 1604 of the second case 1608, the second case 1608 diameter is able to widen in flex direction 1604 adjacent to the post 1620, such that the post 1620 may pass under the inner surface 1612 of the second case 1608 and be received within the aperture 1636 of the second case 1608. The second case 1608 may therefore flex outwardly, in the flex direction 1604, to facilitate a passage of a post 1620 into an aperture 1636. In the illustration of FIG. 16, the second case 1608 is depicted as being flexed in the flex direction 1604 outward from a longitudinal axis 1602 of the second case 1608. In the expanded view 1601 , the post 1620 is shown as being partially under the inner surface 1612 of the outwardly flexed second case 1608 and partially emerging within the aperture 1636.

[0126] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pair of cases 1700, such as turbomachinery cases, including coupling features according to some aspects of the disclosure. A first case 1706 may be an inner case and a second case 1708 may be an outer case. The coupling features may be pairs of flanges according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0127] The first case 1706 may include a plurality of first case flanges 1712-1 , 1712-2, ... , 1712-n, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. In a case where n=2, the first case flanges may be spaced about 180 degrees from each other. In a case where n=3, the first case flanges may be spaced about 120 degrees from each other. In a case were n=4, the first case flanges may be spaced about 90 degrees from each other (as shown in the example of FIG. 17). Any number of flanges greater than or equal to 2 is within the scope of the disclosure. For example, in a case where n=12, the first case flanges may be spaced about 30 degrees from each other. While the preceding examples have indicated equal spacing between flanges, unequal spacing is also within the scope of the disclosure. In some implementations, flanges 1712-1 through 1712-n may be described as lobed flanges, formed by segmenting a single circumferential flange into multiple lobes — each lobe representing a portion of what would otherwise be a continuous 360-degree flange. As described below, a case (or a part in general) with a flange that extends around a full circumference of the case (or the part in general) may prevent the manufacturing of the case (or the part in general) in some scenarios (e.g., where a first portion of a first flange of a first case occupies a space that is needed for a second portion of a second flange of a second case). By interrupting the flange into a series of lobes, theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT case (or the part in general) may be made manufacturable.

[0128] In the example of FIG. 17, each of the plurality of first case flanges 1712-1 , 1712- 2, ... , 1712-n are configured with three through-holes (defined by internal sidewalls), each through-hole may receive one fastening device (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets); however, the illustration is for exemplary and non-limiting purposes. A number of through-holes that is any positive number greater than or equal to 1 is within the scope of the disclosure.

[0129] The second case 1708 may include a plurality of second case flanges 1714-1 , 1714-2, ... , 1714-n, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. In general, a location of each of the second case flanges 1714-1 , 1714-2, ... , 1714-n corresponds to a location of each of the first case flanges 1712-1 , 1712-2, ... , 1712-n, such that through- holes of the second case flanges 1714-1 , 1714-2, ... , 1714-n coaxially align with through- holes of the first case flanges 1712-1 , 1712-2, ... , 1712-n. The description of possible angular orientations of the plurality of second case flanges 1714-1 , 1714-2, ... , 1714-n is therefore similar to the description of possible angular orientations of the plurality of first case flanges 1712-1 , 1712-2, ... , 1712-n and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0130] Similarto the second case 1608 as shown and described in connection with FIG. 16, the second case 1708 may include a plurality of spaced-apart channels 1710 (e.g., slots defined by sidewalls within the second case 1708) that pass through (e.g., penetrate) the second case 1708. The plurality of spaced-apart channels 1710 may be configured to form a spring-like structure around a circumference of the second case 1708. The springlike structure may facilitate an outward (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1702 of the second case 1708) flexure of the second case 1708 and may facilitate some rotational freedom of a first portion of the second case 1708 fixed to the second case flanges 1714-1 , 1714-2, ... , 1714-n (in front of the plurality of spaced-apart channels 1710) relative to a second portion of the second case 1708 behind the plurality of spaced- apart channels 1710 and vice versa. The terms “in front of” and “behind” may be understood relative to locations along the longitudinal axis 1702 of the second case 1708.

[0131] In the preceding examples several combinations of numbers of flanges, numbers of through-holes / bolts, and equal or non-equal spacings of flanges have been offered as non-limiting examples. The number of flanges, numbers of through-holes / bolts, and the equality or inequality of spacings of flanges would be dependent on the loading of the first case 1706 and the second case 1708 and the manufacturing requirements of the parts. Loads may depend on aspects related to, for example, temperature, pressure,Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT vibration, maneuver loads, etc. Thicknesses of flanges may be driven by weight requirements and the same loads as just mentioned.

[0132] Another aspect to consider, when determining the number of flanges and their spacing, may relate manufacturing efficiency and an ability to maximize the quantity of cases being manufactured on one build plate of a 3D printer. For example, in instances where a case (e.g., the first case 1706 and / or the second case 1708) of a predetermined diameter is being 3D-printed utilizing a material such as a metal powder in a given 3D- printer, a build plate of the 3D-printer may be able to accommodate four cases each with four flanges at 90 degrees separation, such that no two flanges of the four cases interfere with each other. In other words, neighboring cases might be rotated such that a flange of one case may be located close to an outer diameter of the neighboring case, yet the flange of the one case would be between two flanges on the neighboring case; the flanges would not interfere with one another. In contrast, if the four cases each had one flange that was continuous circumferentially, the diameter of the cases including the diameter of the continuous flange would be too large to permit the four cases on a single build plate of the 3D-printer, thus reducing manufacturing throughput. By utilizing multiple spacedapart flanges (e.g., using multiple flange segments with regular or irregular spacing between the segments), multiple parts may be clocked (e.g., rotated relative to a neighbor or neighbors) such that the larger diameter where the flanges are located can be located away from a “pinch point” where the printed parts are closest to one another in the 3D printer.

[0133] FIG. 18A is a cross-section of the first case flange 1712-2 and the second case flange 1714-2, while the flanges are separated, taken in the cross-sectional plane 18-18 of FIG. 17 (a plane parallel to and including the longitudinal axis 1702 of the second case 1708 of FIG. 17), through the center through-holes of the first case flange 1712-2 and the second case flange 1714-2 according to some aspects of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 18A, a pilot / seal 1802 of the first case 1706 is partially within the second case 1708. The center through-hole 1804 passes coaxially through the second case flange 1714-2 and the first case flange 1712-2. In FIG. 18A, the center through-hole 1804 is depicted as being empty.

[0134] FIG. 18B is a cross-section of the first case flange 1712-2 and the second case flange 1714-2, while the flanges are fixed together by a bolt 1806 and a nut 1808, taken in the cross-sectional plane 18-18 of FIG. 17 (a plane parallel to and including theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT longitudinal axis 1702 of the second case 1708 of FIG. 17), through the center through- holes of the first case flange 1712-2 and the second case flange 1714-2 according to some aspects of the disclosure. In FIG. 18B, the pilot / seal 1802 of the first case 1706 is fully seated within the second case 1708. A bolt 1806 passes through the center through- hole 1804 and is captivated by a nut 1808 on the far side of the center through-hole 1804.

[0135] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of facing ends of a truncated pair of cases (a first case 1906 and a second case 1908) including an apparatus 1900 configured as a coupling between cases, such as turbomachinery cases, according to some aspects of the disclosure. Although the apparatus is exemplified as an apparatus configured as a coupling between cases, the apparatus may be configured as a coupling between any two objects and as such will be referred to as the apparatus 1900 herein. The first case 1906 may be an inner case and the second case 1908 may be an outer case. The coupling features may be tab-like crenellations at opposing ends (facing ends) of each case. The protruding portion of the tab-like crenelations may be referred to as merlons and the gaps between the merlons may be referred to as crenels.

[0136] The first case 1906 may have a first case longitudinal axis 1932 and the second case 1908 may have a second case longitudinal axis 1934. According to some aspects, when the first case 1906 and the second case 1908 are coupled, the first case longitudinal axis 1932 is coaxial with (or in some examples parallel with) the second case longitudinal axis 1934.

[0137] According to some aspects, the apparatus 1900 may be configured to couple the first case 1906 to the second case 1908. The apparatus may include: a first plurality of crenellations 1910 crowning a first edge 1902 of the first case 1906 and forming a first interrupted flange 1947 at a first crenellation edge 1943 distal from the first edge 1902, a second plurality of crenellations 1922 crowning a second edge 1904 of the second case 1908 and forming a second interrupted flange 1948 at a second crenellation edge 1944 distal from the second edge 1904, and a retaining wire 1942.

[0138] According to one example, the first plurality of crenellations 1910 may be received within the second plurality of crenellations 1922, and the retaining wire 1942 may occupy a space 2302 (FIG. 23) defined between alternating first faces 1945 and second faces 1946 of the first interrupted flange 1947 and the second interrupted flange 1948, respectively, to secure the first case 1906 to the second case 1908.

[0139] According to one example, the first edge 1902 of the first case 1906 is positionedAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT proximal to the second crenellation edge 1944 of the second plurality of crenellations 1922, and the second edge 1904 of the second case 1908 is positioned proximal to the first crenellation edge 1943 of the first plurality of crenellations 1910.

[0140] According to one example, the first plurality of crenellations 1910 includes: a first set of merlons 1951 extending longitudinally (parallel to the first case longitudinal axis 1932 from the first edge 1902 of the first case 1906 to the first crenellation edge 1943 distal from the first edge 1902, each of the first set of merlons 1951 having a first tooth1940 at its distal edge, and the first set of merlons 1951 separated by a first set of crenels 1952. According to this example, the second plurality of crenellations 1922 includes: a second set of merlons 1953 extending longitudinally (parallel to the second case longitudinal axis 1934 from the second edge 1904 of the second case 1908 to the second crenellation edge 1944 distal from the second edge 1904, each of the second set of merlons 1953 having a second tooth 1941 at its distal edge, and the second set of merlons 1953 separated by a second set of crenels 1954. The first plurality of crenellations 1910 may be received within the second plurality of crenellations 1922 when the first set of merlons 1951 is received within the second set of crenels 1954, and the second plurality of crenellations 1922 may be received within the first plurality of crenellations 1910 when the second set of merlons 1953 is received within the first set of crenels 1952.

[0141] According to some aspects, a tooth length (Lt) of the first tooth 1940 is equal to the tooth length (Lt) of the second tooth 1941 , and a merlon length (Lm) of each merlon of the first set of merlons 1951 and the second set of merlons 1953 is equal to twice the tooth length (Lt) plus the retaining wire 1942 diameter (Dw).

[0142] According to some examples, the first plurality of crenellations 1910 includes: a first set of merlons 1951 extending longitudinally from the first edge 1902 of the first case 1906 to the first crenellation edge 1943 distal from the first edge 1902, each of the first set of merlons 1951 having a first tooth 1940 adjacent to the first crenellation edge 1943, and the second plurality of crenellations 1922 includes: a second set of merlons 1953 extending longitudinally from the second edge 1904 of the second case 1908 to the second crenellation edge 1944 distal from the second edge 1904, each of the second set of merlons 1953 having a second tooth 1941 adjacent to the second crenellation edge 1944.

[0143] According to some aspects, each of the first tooth 1940 and the second tooth1941 has a height (H) that is equal to the retaining wire 1942 diameter (Dw) measuredAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT from an exterior surface of the first case 1906 or the second case 1908, and has a predetermined width that is less than or equal to a width (W) of a respective merlon.

[0144] FIG. 20 is a partial view of the first case 1906 and the second case 1908 of FIG.19 according to some aspects of the disclosure. The example of FIG. 20 includes a plurality of spring bars 1950, spaced around and integrally formed with the second case 1908. The plurality of spring bars 1950 are adjacent to the second set of merlons 1953, exemplified by the second plurality of crenellations 1922 in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second case 1908 of FIG. 20, depicting the bar springs 1950, according to some aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 22 is a cross- sectional view of a portion of the first case 1906 of FIG. 20 according to some aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 23 is the cross-sectional view taken in the plane 23-23 of FIG. 20 according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0145] The configuration of FIG. 23 was obtained by slidably receiving the first case 1906 within the second case 1908 by exerting force in the direction of the first block arrow1961 on the first case 1906 and exerting force in the direction of the second block arrow1962 on the second case 1908, where the first block arrow 1961 and the second block arrow 1962 are depicted in FIG. 19. Of course, either the first case 1906 or the second case 1908 could be maintained stationary while the force was exerted on the other case. Once the first case 19-6 is fully received within the second case 1908, the space 2310 (FIG. 23) becomes available to receive the retaining wire 1942, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 23.

[0146] The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

[0147] Aspect 1 : An apparatus comprising: an inner member having: a first exterior surface, a first interior surface opposite to the first exterior surface, and a plurality of spaced-apart receptacles, each receptacle: defined by one or more interior sidewalls of the inner member, perpendicular to the first exterior surface and the first interior surface, and spans a space between and including the first exterior surface and the first interior surface; and an outer member having: a second exterior surface, a second interior surface opposite to the second exterior surface, the second interior surface configured to slidably receive the first exterior surface of the inner member, and a plurality of spaced-apart beam members, each beam member: corresponding to one of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles, integrally formed with the outer member, configured to flex about its center, perpendicular to a beam longitudinal axis, and having an aperture at its center, theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT aperture defined by interior walls of the beam member.

[0148] Aspect 2: The apparatus of aspect 1 , wherein the beam member comprises a body having: a width (W) defined between spaced-apart slots in the outer member, each of the spaced-apart slots defined by interior sidewalls of the outer member, a length (L) defined by a longitudinal dimension of the spaced-apart slots, and a thickness that is less than or equal to a distance between the second exterior surface and the second interior surface.

[0149] Aspect 3: The apparatus of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the aperture is configured to receive a post terminated in a respective one of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles, and the aperture is configured to permit a slidable translation of the post within the aperture, parallel to the beam longitudinal axis.

[0150] Aspect 4: The apparatus of any of aspects 1 through 3, wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles is configured to receive a post after the inner member is received within the outer member and after the each of the plurality of spaced- apart receptacles is aligned with a corresponding one of the aperture.

[0151] Aspect 5: The apparatus of aspect 4, wherein the post is passed through the aperture and into a receptacle of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles from the second exterior surface toward the first interior surface.

[0152] Aspect 6: The apparatus of any of aspects 1 through 5, wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles is configured to receive a post, and the post is at least one of a solid right circular cylinder, a coiled spring pin, or a slotted spring pin.

[0153] Aspect 7: The apparatus of aspect 6, wherein a receptacle of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles is threaded, and the post has threads that are received in the receptacle.

[0154] Aspect 8: The apparatus of any of aspects 1 through 7, wherein a force (+F) is applied perpendicularly to the beam longitudinal axis of the beam member to: pre-load the beam member with tension; align the aperture with a receptacle of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles; and permit a post to enter the aperture and be received and fixed within the aperture.

[0155] Aspect 9: The apparatus of aspect 8, wherein after the post is received in the aperture, the force (+F) is removed and a portion of the interior walls of the beam member that define the aperture exerts a lateral force (F-) on the post to fix the post in the aperture.

[0156] Aspect 10: The apparatus of any of aspects 1 through 9, wherein each of theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT plurality of spaced-apart receptacles receives a spring-loaded post configured to maintain an outward-most surface at or below the first exterior surface as the inner member is slidably inserted into the outer member.

[0157] Aspect 11 : The apparatus of aspect 10, wherein the spring-loaded post extends through the aperture of the beam member in response to the spring-loaded post being received within the aperture.

[0158] Aspect 12: The apparatus of any of aspects 1 through 11 , wherein a force (+F) is applied perpendicularly to a body of the beam member to align the aperture with the spring-loaded post and permit outward passage of the spring-loaded post through the aperture.

[0159] Aspect 13: The apparatus of any of aspects 1 through 12, wherein after the spring-loaded post is extended through the aperture, a portion of the interior walls of the beam member exerts a lateral force (F-) on the spring-loaded post to retain the spring- loaded post in the aperture.

[0160] Aspect 14: An apparatus comprising: an inner member having: a first exterior surface, a first interior surface opposite to the first exterior surface, a first end established where the first exterior surface and the first interior surface intersect proximally to the inner member, and a ridge formed integral with and extending from the first exterior surface, the ridge spaced-apart from the first end by a predetermined distance; an outer member having: a second exterior surface, a second interior surface opposite to the second interior surface, a second end established where the second exterior surface and the second interior surface intersect proximally to the outer member, a retaining member adjacent to the second end; a plurality of spring bars spaced around and integrally formed with the outer member and adjacent to the retaining member, and a wire entry port defined by sidewalls within the retaining member; and a wire, wherein: the inner member is configured to be slidingly received within the outer member, and a space defined between the ridge and the retaining member is configured to receive the wire therein.

[0161] Aspect 15: The apparatus of aspect 14, wherein the space defined between the ridge and the retaining member is further configured to: permit advancement of the wire into the wire entry port and along the space in response to a force, +F, being exerted on the retaining member in a direction that widens the space defined between the ridge and the retaining member, and retain the wire in the space defined between the ridge and the retaining member in response to the force, +F, being removed from the retaining member.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT

[0162] Aspect 16: The apparatus of aspect 14 or 15, wherein the wire is slidingly received or fixedly retained in the space defined between the ridge and the retaining member in response to a force, +F, being applied to or removed from, respectively, the retaining member.

[0163] Aspect 17: An apparatus configured to couple a first case to a second case, comprising: a first plurality of crenellations crowning a first edge of the first case and forming a first interrupted flange at a first crenellation edge distal from the first edge; a second plurality of crenellations crowning a second edge of the second case and forming a second interrupted flange at a second crenellation edge distal from the second edge; and a retaining wire, wherein: the first plurality of crenellations is received within the second plurality of crenellations, and the retaining wire occupies a space defined between alternating first faces and second faces of the first interrupted flange and the second interrupted flange, respectively, to secure the first case to the second case.

[0164] Aspect 18: The apparatus of aspect 17, wherein: the first edge of the first case is positioned proximal to the second crenellation edge of the second plurality of crenellations; and the second edge of the second case is positioned proximally to the first crenellation edge of the first plurality of crenellations.

[0165] Aspect 19: The apparatus of aspect 17 or 18, wherein: the first plurality of crenellations comprises: a first set of merlons extending longitudinally from the first edge of the first case to the first crenellation edge distal from the first edge, each of the first set of merlons having a first tooth at its distal edge, and the first set of merlons separated by a first set of crenels; and the second plurality of crenellations comprises: a second set of merlons extending longitudinally from the second edge of the second case to the second crenellation edge distal from the second edge, each of the second set of merlons having a second tooth at its distal edge, and the second set of merlons separated by a second set of crenels, wherein: the first plurality of crenellations is received within the second plurality of crenellations when the first set of merlons is received within the second set of crenels, and the second plurality of crenellations is received within the first plurality of crenellations when the second set of merlons is received within the first set of crenels.

[0166] Aspect 20: The apparatus of aspect 19, wherein a tooth length (Lt) of the first tooth is equal to the tooth length (Lt) of the second tooth, and a merlon length (Lm) of each merlon of the first set of merlons and the second set of merlons is equal to twice the tooth length (Lt) plus the retaining wire diameter (Dw).Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT

[0167] Aspect 21 : The apparatus of any of aspects 17 through 20, wherein the first plurality of crenellations comprises: a first set of merlons extending longitudinally from the first edge of the first case to the first crenellation edge distal from the first edge, each of the first set of merlons having a first tooth adjacent to the first crenellation edge; and the second plurality of crenellations comprises: a second set of merlons extending longitudinally from the second edge of the second case to the second crenellation edge distal from the second edge, each of the second set of merlons having a second tooth adjacent to the second crenellation edge.

[0168] Aspect 22: The apparatus of aspect 21 , wherein each of the first tooth and the second tooth: has a height (H) that is equal to the retaining wire diameter (Dw) measured from an exterior surface of the first case or the second case; and has a predetermined width that is less than or equal to a width (W) of a respective merlon.

[0169] One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions illustrated in FIGs. 1 -23 may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and / or components illustrated in FIGs. 1 -23 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0170] The previous description is provided to enable persons having skill in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to persons having skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . An apparatus comprising: an inner member having: a first exterior surface, a first interior surface opposite to the first exterior surface, and a plurality of spaced-apart receptacles, each receptacle: defined by one or more interior sidewalls of the inner member, perpendicular to the first exterior surface and the first interior surface, and spans a space between and including the first exterior surface and the first interior surface; and an outer member having: a second exterior surface, a second interior surface opposite to the second exterior surface, the second interior surface configured to slidably receive the first exterior surface of the inner member, and a plurality of spaced-apart beam members, each beam member: corresponding to one of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles, integrally formed with the outer member, configured to flex about its center, perpendicular to a beam longitudinal axis, and having an aperture at its center, the aperture defined by interior walls of the beam member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the beam member comprises a body having: a width (W) defined between spaced-apart slots in the outer member, each of the spaced-apart slots defined by interior sidewalls of the outer member, a length (L) defined by a longitudinal dimension of the spaced-apart slots, and a thickness that is less than or equal to a distance between the second exterior surface and the second interior surface.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is configured to receive a post terminated in a respective one of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles, and the aperture is configured to permit a slidable translation of the post within the aperture, parallel to the beam longitudinal axis.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles is configured to receive a post after the inner member is received within the outer member and after the each of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles is aligned with a corresponding one of the aperture.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the post is passed through the aperture and into a receptacle of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles from the second exterior surface toward the first interior surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a force (+F) is applied perpendicularly to the beam longitudinal axis of the beam member to: pre-load the beam member with tension; align the aperture with a receptacle of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles; and permit a post to enter the aperture and be received and fixed within the aperture.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein after the post is received in the aperture, the force (+F) is removed and a portion of the interior walls of the beam member that define the aperture exerts a lateral force (F-) on the post to fix the post in the aperture.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart receptacles receives a spring-loaded post configured to maintain an outward-most surface at or below the first exterior surface as the inner member is slidably inserted into the outer member.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the spring-loaded post extends through the aperture of the beam member in response to the spring-loaded post being received within the aperture.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a force (+F) is applied perpendicularly to a body of the beam member to align the aperture with the spring-loaded post and permit outward passage of the spring-loaded post through the aperture.11 . The apparatus of claim 8, wherein after the spring-loaded post is extended through the aperture, a portion of the interior walls of the beam member exerts a lateral force (F-) on the spring-loaded post to retain the spring-loaded post in the aperture.

12. An apparatus comprising: an inner member having: a first exterior surface, a first interior surface opposite to the first exterior surface, a first end established where the first exterior surface and the first interior surface intersect proximally to the inner member, and a ridge formed integral with and extending from the first exterior surface, the ridge spaced-apart from the first end by a predetermined distance; and an outer member having: a second exterior surface, a second interior surface opposite to the second interior surface, a second end established where the second exterior surface and the second interior surface intersect proximally to the outer member, a retaining member adjacent to the second end, a plurality of spring bars spaced around and integrally formed with the outer member and adjacent to the retaining member, and a wire entry port defined by sidewalls within the retaining member; and a wire, wherein: the inner member is configured to be slidingly received within the outer member, and a space defined between the ridge and the retaining member is configured to receive the wire therein.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the space defined between the ridge and the retaining member is further configured to: permit advancement of the wire into the wire entry port and along the space in response to a force, +F, being exerted on the retaining member in a direction that widens the space defined between the ridge and the retaining member, and retain the wire in the space defined between the ridge and the retaining member in response to the force, +F, being removed from the retaining member.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the wire is slidingly received or fixedly retained in the space defined between the ridge and the retaining member in response to a force, +F, being applied to or removed from, respectively, the retaining member.

15. An apparatus configured to couple a first case to a second case, comprising: a first plurality of crenellations crowning a first edge of the first case and forming a first interrupted flange at a first crenellation edge distal from the first edge; a second plurality of crenellations crowning a second edge of the second case and forming a second interrupted flange at a second crenellation edge distal from the second edge; and a retaining wire, wherein: the first plurality of crenellations is received within the second plurality of crenellations, and the retaining wire occupies a space defined between alternating first faces and second faces of the first interrupted flange and the second interrupted flange, respectively, to secure the first case to the second case.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the first edge of the first case is positioned proximal to the second crenellation edge of the second plurality of crenellations; and the second edge of the second case is positioned proximally to the first crenellation edge of the first plurality of crenellations.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the first plurality of crenellations comprises:Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT a first set of merlons extending longitudinally from the first edge of the first case to the first crenellation edge distal from the first edge, each of the first set of merlons having a first tooth at its distal edge, and the first set of merlons separated by a first set of crenels; and the second plurality of crenellations comprises: a second set of merlons extending longitudinally from the second edge of the second case to the second crenellation edge distal from the second edge, each of the second set of merlons having a second tooth at its distal edge, and the second set of merlons separated by a second set of crenels, wherein: the first plurality of crenellations is received within the second plurality of crenellations when the first set of merlons is received within the second set of crenels, and the second plurality of crenellations is received within the first plurality of crenellations when the second set of merlons is received within the first set of crenels.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein a tooth length (Lt) of the first tooth is equal to the tooth length (Lt) of the second tooth, and a merlon length (Lm) of each merlon of the first set of merlons and the second set of merlons is equal to twice the tooth length (Lt) plus the retaining wire diameter (Dw).

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first plurality of crenellations comprises: a first set of merlons extending longitudinally from the first edge of the first case to the first crenellation edge distal from the first edge, each of the first set of merlons having a first tooth adjacent to the first crenellation edge; and the second plurality of crenellations comprises: a second set of merlons extending longitudinally from the second edge of the second case to the second crenellation edge distal from the second edge, each of the second set of merlons having a second tooth adjacent to the second crenellation edge.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein each of the first tooth and the second tooth:Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1039PCT has a height (H) that is equal to the retaining wire diameter (Dw) measured from an exterior surface of the first case or the second case; and has a predetermined width that is less than or equal to a width (W) of a respective merlon.

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