On the applications of the finite element technique for improving product designs

Abstract

In order to illustrate the reliability and accuracy of the finite element technique for product designs, the technique has been employed to perform a parametric study for improving snapfit designs. The conventional snapfit design, which involves a short cantilever attached to a base which is not perfectly rigid, is based on the simple beam - deflection formula. This formula neglects beam shear and deformation of the base wall and, therefore, it grossly underestimate the deflection of the beam especially when the beam aspect ratio is approximately less than 5. In this paper, the finite element technique was employed to study the effects of wall and beam widths and material properties on the deflection behaviour of different cantilever - beam configurations. The results obtained were in good agreement with those obtained by the experimental technique. The effects of wall and beam widths and material properties were found to be significant. Better snapfit design, and consequently a superior end-product, is therefore achievable with the accurate prediction of the beam deflection.