Integral attachment using snap-fit features: a key to assembly automation. Part 2- bringing order to integral attachment: attachment-level design

摘要

This second of a six-part series presents a hierarchical scheme for classifying integral snap-fits at the attachment level, bringing great order to where there appeared to be chaos. The scheme is then used to enumerate all possible design options. The proliferation of plastic parts, and the ability to mould such parts of great complexity at little cost penalty, has resulted in the growing use of integral attachment in the form of snap-fit features in deigns. Heretofore, the great diversity of part geometry and Integral snap-fit features has made it appear that design Possibilities may be unbounded, and that attempts at Optimization might be intractable.