Insertion Force in Snap-Fits Assembly Based on Different Design Parameters: A Simulation Study

Snap fits are the easiest, fastest and most cost-effective joint approach to assemble two parts. When properly designed, elements with snap-fits can be jointed and disjointed repeatedly without any negative impact on the attachment. Snap-fits can reduce the product’s assembly time by as much as 60%. Snap-fits need to give more attention to their engineering designs compared with mechanical fasteners. It is because if snap-fit is not designed properly, the parts may fail before or during assembly or also during the usage of the snap-fits. The work carried out intended to analyze the influence of snap-fits design parameters towards the insertion forces exhibited during the matting process. A different set of parameters are used for cantilever snap-fits type. In the analysis, ANSYS is used to imitate the assembly process of the joint and produce force data. The result indicates the influence of each parameter to the insertion force required for assembly. As conclusion, beam lengthy, beam thickness and width plays an important roles in increasing the value of force reaction during assembly.