Compliant Mechanisms

[Forspeedrs]

Has anyone designed compliant mechanisms out of plastics or the like, or know of any good resources on designing them? I need to design a plastic housing that will secure a module in place, snapping together similarly to an electrical connector, yet able to be taken apart with relative ease. Any suggestions, thoughts, recommendations?

 

[KENAT]

Contact a plastic design house, sometimes plastic mouldings companies will provide design assistance if they are likely to get the work/under contract.

A colleague & I tried to design a snap on plastic component one time but it didnt' work too well.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[tygerdawg]

here's one

http://www.efunda.com/designstandards/plastic_design/snaps.cfm

I recall articles in Machine Design Magazine about designing plastic snaps and latches for closures, search there.

There are probably design resources to be found in Amazon.com or other engineering-focused book vendors.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Advanced Robotics & Automation Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[ajack1]

As well as the good advice above if you want a start have a look at ones already in use, rucksacks or dog collars are a good place to start.

 

[dgowans]

Here's a link to a book that looks to be an extremely comprehensive resource:

http://store.ides.com/p-1549-the-co...-for-injection-molding-of-thermoplastics.aspx

 

[tlee123]

It seems like your are looking for snap fit design help.

Compliant mechanisms are really another category where the intention of the design is to provide defined repeatable motion with flexures.

I own the first edition of this book for snap fits and it is pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/First-Snap-fit-Handbook-Creating-Attachments/dp/1569903883