Design of Heat-Reversible Snap Joints for Space Frame Bodies

Abstract

This paper presents the design of new joints, heat-reversible snaps, which allow easy, non-destructive, and clean detaching between internal frames and external panels in automotive bodies. It is expected to dramatically reduce the end-of-life environmental impacts of the aluminum space frame bodies, which currently suffer from poor material recyclability. While the assembly process is analogous to normal locator-snap systems, the heat-reversible snaps can be unlocked non-destructively upon heating the panel at a certain location, via the non-uniform thermal deformation of the panel. The optimum number and locations of the locators on the given panel are found based on the equivalent springs that represent the stiffness of the locator. Then, the locations of snaps and heating that ensure unlocking upon heating of the minimum area on the panel are obtained. Finally, a case study on an automotive fender panel assembly is discussed.