• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.378-385
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• 2017

This study investigated the design of a snap fit, which is widely used for fastening plastic parts. We analyzed the assembly mechanism of a lock snapfit, measured the assembly force and separation force based on the design of experiments, and derived a regression equation through an analysis of variance. The response surface methodology was also used. Polybutylene terephthalate was used to fabricate specimens, and the assembly force and separation force were measured using a micro-tensile tester. The length, width, thickness, and interference were considered as factors. A second-order regression model was used to derive the regression equation. The assembly force decreased with increasing length and width, but it increased with increasing thickness and interference. The finite element method was used to analyze the assembly mechanics. The width decreased the assembly force by increasing the ductility. The influences of the factors for low assembly force and high release force were shown to be opposite to each other. It was necessary to design a structure that minimized the assembly force while maintaining an appropriate level of separation force.