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Vol.4, No.2, 2025: pp.73-82
Optimization of polymer stake geometry by fea to enhance the retention force of automotive door panels
Authors:
R. Martínez-Hinojosa1
, J.E. Garcia-Herrera2
, I.E. Garduño2
, H. Arcos-Gutiérrez2
,
M.G. Navarro-Rojero3
, V.H. Mercado-Lemus4
, J.A. Betancourt Cantera4
1Posgrado CIATEQ A.C., Western Industry Circuit Lot 11, block 3, No.11, Industrial Park, State of Mexico
52004, Mexico
2SECIHTI‐CIATEQ A.C, Eje 126 No.225, Industrial Park, San Luis Potosi 78395, Mexico
3CIATEQ A.C, Retablo Avenue No.150, Constituyentes Fovissste, Queretaro 76150, Mexico
4SECIHTI‐InnovaBienestar from Mexico, Science and Technology No.790, Saltillo 25290, Coah., Mexico
Received: 29 April 2025
Revised: 4 June 2025
Accepted: 16 June 2025
Published: 30 June 2025
Abstract:
This study focused on optimizing retention geometries for automotive interior door panel assemblies using ultrasonic welding, a preferred technique due to its strength and clean aesthetic appearance. The research aimed to resolve the conflict between tight spatial constraints and the need to maintain structural integrity during side-impact collisions. Using a Design of Experiments approach based on the Taguchi L8 method, four key parameters were evaluated: height, length, number of reinforcements, and component clearance. Models designed in the computer and developed in Siemens NX were validated through finite element analysis to quantify stiffness, maximum retention force, and stress concentration using different ANSYS software. The optimized configuration – featuring a 10 mm height, 15.5 mm length, three reinforcements, and 0.5 mm clearance – increased strength by 33.8% (234.2 N vs. the traditional 175 N design) while reducing the required manufacturing area by 74%.
Keywords:
Design optimization, Automotive industry, Standardized geometry, Ultrasonic welding, Finite element method, Retention force
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© 2025 by the authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Volume 5
Number 1
March 2026.
How to Cite
R. Martínez-Hinojosa, J.E. Garcia-Herrera, I.E. Garduño, H. Arcos-Gutiérrez, M.G. Navarro-Rojero, V.H. Mercado-Lemus, J.A. Betancourt-Cantera, Optimization of Polymer Stake Geometry by FEA to Enhance the Retention Force of Automotive Door Panels. Advanced Engineering Letters, 4(2), 2025: 73-82.
https://doi.org/10.46793/adeletters.2025.4.2.3
More Citation Formats
Martínez-Hinojosa, R., Garcia-Herrera, J.E., Garduño, I.E., Arcos-Gutiérrez, H., Navarro-Rojero, M.G., Mercado-Lemus, V.H., & Betancourt-Cantera, J.A. (2025). Optimization of Polymer Stake Geometry by FEA to Enhance the Retention Force of Automotive Door Panels. Advanced Engineering Letters, 4(2), 2025: 73-82.
https://doi.org/10.46793/adeletters.2025.4.2.3
Martínez-Hinojosa, R., et al. “Optimization of Polymer Stake Geometry by FEA to Enhance the Retention Force of Automotive Door Panels.“ Advanced Engineering Letters, vol. 4, no. 2, 2025, pp. 73-82.
https://doi.org/10.46793/adeletters.2025.4.2.3
Martínez-Hinojosa, R., J.E. Garcia-Herrera, I.E. Garduño, H. Arcos-Gutiérrez, M.G. Navarro-Rojero, V.H. Mercado-Lemus, and J.A. Betancourt-Cantera. 2025. “Optimization of Polymer Stake Geometry by FEA to Enhance the Retention Force of Automotive Door Panels.“ Advanced Engineering Letters, 4 (2): 73-82.
https://doi.org/10.46793/adeletters.2025.4.2.3
Martínez-Hinojosa, R., Garcia-Herrera, J.E., Garduño, I.E., Arcos-Gutiérrez, H., Navarro-Rojero, M.G., Mercado-Lemus, V.H., and Betancourt-Cantera, J.A. (2025). Optimization of Polymer Stake Geometry by FEA to Enhance the Retention Force of Automotive Door Panels. Advanced Engineering Letters, 4(2), pp. 73-82.
doi: 10.46793/adeletters.2025.4.2.3.