Help Snap Fitting 2 Plastics Planes Together 1

[mtslick1]

I am working on a project where i will be snapping together two plastic boards laying horizontally side by side one another. The key is connecting them at their widths and thus having a 14" plane verses two 7". Each board will have the dimensionsWxDxH) 7" x 4" x 1.2". One caveat is using a snap fit method where the boards can be pulled apart easily at any time but when snapped together again, being able to hold atleast 30 to 45lbs of stress. Can anyone recommend anything? Thank you again!

 

[patprimmer]

Many plastics design books and some plastics raw materials suppliers literature contain formula for such calculations.

Also try google.

The critical dimensions will be, length of arm, cross section of arm, taper of arm, amount of deflection to assemble and disassemble and ramp angles for both assembly and disassembly. 45# is a high load so it will need to be a stout part with a strong material. A lever type release like used on automotive wiring harness loom plugs.

Regards
Pat
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[Pud]

http://www.ticona.com/tools/search/lit_details.cfm?docid=82

http://www.ticona.com/tools/search/lit_details.cfm?docid=13257

H

http://www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

 

[mtslick1]

Hey guys...thanks again for the insight. Heres a diagram i created to help you visualize what im referring to. Ive included more specific dimensions on the individual pieces as well. Ive been researching different books but again, hit a wall. Let me know if any other ideas spark to mind!

 

[patprimmer]

Pud

Thanks for the links. Both articles saved to disk printed and now part of the library.

Regards
Pat
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[Pud]

Pat:

Saved to disk? You will surely lose it!

Hoescht (as Ticona were) used to do great books on design. Lent mine to someone and never seen again.

mtslick: Decide on material and talk to material suppliers - they will usually do all the sums for you. (Why have a dog and bark yourself?)

Harry

http://www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

 

[patprimmer]

mtslick

I just viewed your drawing and I do have some concerns that you may be attempting the impossible unless some supports are not shown in your drawing.

It seems you are trying to make something like a drop side table. All drop side tables have seen have have a support gusset that folds out to support the top.

Regards
Pat
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[MacGyverS2000]

Lent mine to someone...

Surely you will lose it! ;-)

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com