Product Development of Polymeric Fixation Points for Automotive Interior Components


Creative Commons License

Simões R., Campilho R., Silva F., Kırgız M. S., Pedroso A.

Advances in Mechanisms and Machine Design: Theory, Analysis, and Applications, Campilho,R.D.S.G., Editör, IIP Series, North Carolina, ss.21-30, 2026

  • Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Yayınevi: IIP Series
  • Basıldığı Şehir: North Carolina
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.21-30
  • Editörler: Campilho,R.D.S.G., Editör
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet

Özet

The increasing use of polymer-based components in automotive interiors has intensified the demand for reliable, lightweight, and cost-efficient fixation solutions capable of meeting strict mechanical and assembly requirements imposed by vehicle manufacturers. Polymeric fixation points, such as clips and snap-fit systems, play an important role in ensuring structural integrity, perceived quality, and long-term durability of interior trim components. This chapter presents a comprehensive design and validation framework for polymeric fixation points applied to automotive interior parts, materialized by an industrial case study and structured according to the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. Two distinct fixation concepts, associated with different automotive brands and performance specifications, are investigated through a combined experimental and numerical approach. Mechanical testing under pull-out and shear loading is complemented by finite element modelling to identify critical stress regions, deformation mechanisms, and failure modes. Based on the obtained insights, iterative geometric improvements are proposed and validated, leading to enhanced mechanical performance and improved manufacturability. The presented methodology provides a robust and transferable framework for the systematic development, optimization, and standardization of polymeric fixation solutions in the automotive industry.

 

Keywords—Automotive interiors; Polymeric fixation points; Snap-fit design; Finite element analysis; Design Science Research; Experimental validation.