Carl Eric Fonville - Grommet Bridge Assembly 2006

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION (from patent)

The present invention provides a grommet bridge assembly for adding additional grommets to a grommet and bolt assembly without the need for additional bolts. The grommet bridge assembly is more desirable than adding an additional bolt assembly since it does not require assembly body recasting, an additional drill and tap machining operation, a new gasket, or the redesign of the cover. The additional grommet(s) reduce the effect of compression set for all the grommets at the location, reduce localized deflection of the cover and reduce stress in the cover material. Further, a grommet bridge assembly in accordance with the present invention may achieve improved noise isolation as a result of the lower compression achieved.