Structural abstraction in snap-fit analysis

摘要

Snap-fit design has always been more of an art rather than a pure engineering science. Research in this area focuses on generating finite element models for predicting the performance of snap-fit features. Such research typically uses fixed end conditions at the base of the snap-fit feature. Often this is an unrealistic assumption, because snap-fit feature. Often this is an unrealistic assumption, because snap-fits are usually molded on plastic parts with significant flexibility. The performance of snap-fits can be significantly influenced by this additional flexibility.