Interconnection mechanisms for a laser gyroscope assembly (10) enable it to
be rapidly and non-harmfully assembled and disassembled prior to a more
durable interconnection, to facilitate repair and rework. The assembly
includes a fiber optic spool (12), an inner shield (16) and an outer
shield (18), which are formed of a stress-annealed magnetic and generally
malleable material. The outer shield comprises upper and lower portions or
parts (30, 32) whose first and second end segments (62, 66) respectively
terminate the portions. Segment (66) has angled intersecting conical
surfaces (74, 76) which engage surfaces (65, 67) on segment (62). Stops
(80, 83) are formed respectively on the ends of the segments so that a
distal end (68) contacts an interior ledge surface (80) of outer shield
(34), thereby to limit the mutual engagement and to center the segment
configuration interfit. The position and location of the stop allows the
intersecting edges of surface (65, 67) of outer shield (34) to precisely
contact reverse taper segment (76) of surface (70) at a point beneath
intersection (78) to ensure positive retention and mechanical locking of
the upper and lower portions of outer shield (18). A plurality of notches
(84) are positioned evenly about the periphery of the lower portion of the
outer shield at its intersection of the upper portion. Tangs (90, 92) of a
tool (88) are inserted in seriatim within the spaces for gradual
disassembly of the upper and lower outer shield portions without harm
thereto. Inner shield (16) includes a cover (28) having two pairs of
projections (130, 132) which can snap together, and a top annular segment
(126) which is engageable with a centering projection (138) on end (26) of
the spool. When the cover is secured to the spool, the top annular segment
is flexed, but not deformed, to provide a spring bias and positive
retention and, consequently, a solid and chatter-resistant engagement in a
robust mechanical connection even under severe dynamic environments.