Fixing - assembling method

[jacoolo]

Hi there

I got a simple case to solove. Nothing sophisticated. I have to prepare housings for USB stick which should contain DVB-T receiver(digital video broadcasting - telestar). Apart of all another questions like right material(I assume it should be PC+ABS)my major question is the type of fixing/assembling.

I had two ideas in mind, and among of those two, one seems to be for me most reliable. The first one need side actions I suppose and additional parts for mold

The second one is easier and needs glue to fix both parts - up and bottom - together.



Please tell if there exist another solutions - the low cost of a tool is a majot demand(as always)

 

[jacoolo]

ok this is my first idea - side actions needed as I suppose

 

[mcgyvr]

Pick up a snap fit design book.
I've got one called "The First Snap-Fit Handbook" (by Paul R. Bonenberger) Its pretty basic but includes a lot of samples/calculations,troubleshooting,etc..

There are hundreds of designs that can accomplish your fit without side actions or glue..
I'm assuming your goal is to make the 2 halves without side action molds or glue processes, correct?

I find that even a couple minutes searching around the office looking at other plastic parts will usually give me an idea..

Its hard to give you an idea off your basic needs without knowing a lot more about the final product. Like will there be any fasteners used anywhere else like to hold a circuit board.. If so can that fastener be used to secure the 2 halves together sandwiching the circuit board in the middle.

Can you have protrusions on the side or does it need to be smooth. By moving the locking features to the side you can easily accomplish a snap fit without side actions.

 

[IceStationZebra]

I was thinking a full perimeter snap fit on the inside. ISZ

 

[jacoolo]

well, first thx for all replies

Mcgyvr, can You put some more light on following sentence:

"
Can you have protrusions on the side or does it need to be smooth. By moving the locking features to the side you can easily accomplish a snap fit without side actions" ?
I do not quite understand what You mean by that?

Today I disassembled one USB stick(almost the same You can see on attached pic). It seems, its housings were joined by gluing or welding. There are no snaps, hatches or things like that. My device is almost same long. Overall dimensions are quite similar

Any proposals