A feature-based framework for attachment level snap-fastener design in product design for automated assembly

With the emerging global markets, success in the industry is determined by rapid product innovation, providing new quality products from a single platform, cutting product development costs and time. Since design effort consumes most of the product development time, the need to reduce design cycle time is vital in being competitive. The paper describes a feature-based framework for attachment level design of snap fasteners for products for automated assembly that addresses reducing design cycle time. In the introduction the need for such a framework is described. In the following section, previous work related to design for assembly, and concepts related to plastic part design are presented. In the next section, the developed framework is described with the introduction of feature level abstractions that capture design for automated assembly criteria. An example part design is then illustrated using the developed framework. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the benefits from this feature-based framework for product design for automated assembly.