Before exploring Meadows' specific contributions, we must define the core concept. Tolerance stack-up analysis is the process of calculating the cumulative effects of part tolerances in an assembly. Every manufactured part has inherent variation. When you assemble multiple parts, those variations add up or "stack up," potentially creating a gap that is too large or an interference that prevents assembly.
Meadows highlights several methodologies for performing a stack-up analysis, often focusing on which method is appropriate for the specific design goal. 1. Worst-Case Tolerance Analysis
Square each individual tolerance, sum the squares, and take the square root of the total. Step 6: Analyze and Optimize