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A systematic approach to integral snap-fit attachment design

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Abstract

Traditional integral snap-fit attachment design focuses almost exclusively on the individual locking features, such as cantilever hooks, bayonet-fingers, compressive hooks and others. The positioning and orientation of other significant features on parts, such as those that facilitate or enhance engagement and eliminate unwanted degrees of freedom left by locking features, i.e. locating features and enhancements, are not considered. This paper builds on relatively new methodologies and guidelines for arranging all attachment features on plastic parts comprising snap-fit assembly. Classification of features into categories of locking features, locating features and enhancements of these is used as the basis for discussion. A systematic approach to attachment design is presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 12180, Troy, NY, USA

    Suat Genc & Gary A. Gabriele

  2. Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA

    Robert W. Messler Jr.

Authors
  1. Suat Genc
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  2. Robert W. Messler Jr.
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  3. Gary A. Gabriele
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Genc, S., Messler, R.W. & Gabriele, G.A. A systematic approach to integral snap-fit attachment design. Research in Engineering Design 10, 84–93 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01616689

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