Living Hinge Design

[kojiai]

I'm struggling with the proper way to include a living hinge in a model I'm working. Eventually I'd like to be able to use an injection molding process. This process should include a living hinge. The attached file is a looped part. One section joins the two parts with a snap-type fit. The other half, which is currently simple split with a cut/extrude, is meant to be the location of the living hinge. However, in it's current configuration you can't injection mold it because the snap fit on the other side. This will need to be split apart before molding.

I can follow dimensions from various sources for the hinge (ie:

http://www.protomold.com/Design_Tips/UnitedStates/2007/2007-05_designtips/),

but I'd prefer the surface of the part to be smooth when in the closed position. How should I construct a living hinge that will be flush with the sides when the part is closed, yet allow it to swing open 180 degrees.

Any input would be great accepted. See the attached part. Thanks!

 

[TateJ]

If your goal is to see this flex in an assembly... one option is to make 2 configs in your part (one for each half of the hinge). Insert the part 2 times (one of each config) in your assembly, then mate accordingly. You can then set one of them to not display in your BOM.

If I did not answer the question you're really asking, then you're gonna have to ask a more specific question. I read your post 3 times, and this is the only answer I could decipher... But I haven't finished my coffee yet either.

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