Design Optimization of Snap-Fit Integral Parts by FEA and Statistical Analysis
Snap-fit integral attachments are used widely for joining plastic parts. The proliferated use of integral attachment in the form of snap-fit features in designs is due to the ability to mould such parts of great complexity at little cost. The exceptional diversity of part geometry and integral snap-fit features has made it seem that design possibilities may be unlimited. Thus, attempts at optimization might be intractable. A design of experiments (DOE) approach coupled with three-dimensional, geometrical non-linear finite element analysis (FEA) was used to calculate the insertion and retention responses on such parts for various geometrical parameters like length, width and angles. A statistical technique was employed to formulate empirical relationships among the geometrical dimensions, to investigate the effect of these parameters on the design as well as to obtain optimal insertion and retention forces or strains. Design equations obtained from this methodology were verified within the DOE domain and it was observed that the predicted responses were ranged within 30% of the FEA results. During this investigation, it was observed that geometrical features of a block, which exert force on the snap-fit features, have a considerable effect on the results. Therefore, the effects of the block parameters on the various responses were also studied. An attempt was also made to understand the effect of the block parameters such as corner radius and thickness on the design formula, which depicts the geometrical parameters of the snap-fit part as a function of insertion and retention forces. It is expected that the results help to find optimal design parameters in order to enhance the performance of such snap-fit features.