Snap fit

Snap fit
“A snap-fit is a mechanical joint system where part-to-part attachment is accomplished with
locating and locking features (constraint features) that are homogenous with one or the
other of the components being joined. Joining requires the (flexible) locking features to
move aside for engagement with the mating part, followed by return of the locking feature
toward its original position to accomplish the interference required to latch the components
together. Locator features, the second type of constraint feature, are inflexible, providing
strength and stability in the attachment. Enhancements complete the snap-fit system,
adding robustness and user-friendliness to the attachment.”

-The First Snap-Fit Handbook, Bonenberger, 2000

 Snap fit
…an arrangement of compatible locators, locks and enhancements acting to form a
mechanical attachment between parts
 Snap fit
• Important Criterion – Flexibility in integral locking feature
“Catch”

• Joining method using springy (elastic) properties of metals and plastics

– Plastic – Plastic
– Plastic – Metal
– Metal – Metal
• Although most commonly used today with plastic assembled parts, snap-fit has long before existed in
metal-metal components in clothing

• Results in reduced man-hour, production cost, and or number of parts in

assembly
 Snap fit examples
• Toys

• Small Appliances

• Automotive

• Electronic Fields
 Key Requirements
• Strength – attachment integrity for life of product
– Integrity prevents:
• Looseness
• Breakage
• Squeaks
• Rattles

• Constraint – prevention or control of relative movement between parts

Constraint Condition

Effect on Proper Under Over

Noise Allows a close fit btwn Part misalignment, possible None

pairs looseness, squeaks and rattles
Assembly Features fir w/out None Difficult assembly – interference
interference btwn parts
Cost Saving (relative to over) None Requires close tolerances

Analysis Makes feature analysis None Interference is statically

possible indeterminate
Reliability Supports feature strength Improper lock loading can lead Possible failure due to residual
for reliability to lock failure stain btwn parts
Possible component distortion
under extreme temp.
 Key Requirements
• Compatibility – harmony in snap-fit interface between all elements
– Often a subtle mistake

• Robustness – tolerance of snap-fit to all variables and unknowns that exist

in product design, manufacture, assembly, and use
– Customer’s ability to interpret proper use
– Technician’s ability to properly disassemble and reassemble without damage
– Environment
– Misuse, unexpected loads
 Retention – nature of locking pair
• Permanent – not intended for release

– (not truly permanent, but require more effort or tool for release)
• Non-permanent – intended for release
– Releasing

– Non-releasing
Example: Duracon M90-44

Yield strain : 7 - 8%
Thickness: h = 3mm
Height: Y = 2mm
Span: L = 10mm

Strain = 9%
 Annular locks

• Interface between concentric ridges in cylinders

– “catch” is wrapped around cylinder
– Ex: cap on ball-point pen
• Constrain in 5 degrees of motion

• Reasons we are looking at using annular locks:

– Compatibility – can be locked in at any rotational position
– Constrained in 5 DOM
 Other important features of snap-fit

• Guides
– Help with assembly
– Protect catch when misaligned

• Assists
– Finger tab
– Tool access
– Recessed, or push-in activation

• Guards
– Protect weak features
 Troubleshooting
• Difficult assembly
– Over-constraint
– Assembly motion and constraint feature incompatibility
– Basic shape and assembly motion incompatibility
– Access and basic shape incompatibility
– Access and assembly motion incompatibility
– Parts warped
– Simultaneous engagement of several features
– No guide or clearance enhancement
– No operator feedback and/or feedback interface
– Mating part is too hard to handle

• Distorted parts
– Parts warped when made
– Distorted in assemble
– Feature tolerances and position robustness
– Over-constraint
– Compliant (flexible) parts, often panels are not constrained at enough points

• Feature damage
– Over-constraint
– Under-constraint
– Incompatibility between features and assembly motion
– Long term yield
– Damaged during assembly
– Poor processing
– Abuse in usage
– Abuse or damage during service / removal

• Loose parts
– Feature damage
– Weak feature mounting area on mating and base plate
– Difficult assembly
– Under-constraint
– Compliant parts do not provide a stron base for the constrint features
Construx
K’nex
Our application