Snap Fit

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

pairs
Part misalignment, possible

looseness, squeaks and
rattles
None
Assembly
Features fir w/out

interference
None
Difficult assembly interference

btwn parts
Cost
Saving (relative to over)
None
Requires close tolerances
Analysis
Makes feature analysis

possible
None
Interference is statically
indeterminate
Reliability
Supports feature strength

for reliability
Improper lock loading can lead

to lock failure
Possible failure due to residual

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
Customers ability to interpret proper use

Technicians 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
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
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
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
Knex
Our application

Snap Fit

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What are the main components of a snap-fit?

What are the main components of a snap-fit?

What are some important criteria for snap-fits?

What are some important criteria for snap-fits?

Snap fit

-The First Snap-Fit Handbook, Bonenberger, 2000

Important Criterion Flexibility in integral locking feature

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

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

Snap fit examples

Strength attachment integrity for life of product

Constraint prevention or control of relative movement between parts

Allows a close fit btwn

Part misalignment, possible

Features fir w/out

Difficult assembly interference

Saving (relative to over)

Requires close tolerances

Makes feature analysis

Supports feature strength

Improper lock loading can lead

Possible failure due to residual

Compatibility harmony in snap-fit interface between all elements

Customers ability to interpret proper use

Retention nature of locking pair

Permanent not intended for release

Example: Duracon M90-44

Interface between concentric ridges in cylinders

Constrain in 5 degrees of motion

Other important features of snap-fit

Parts warped when made

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