Severin Stadler

An Application of Enhanced Knowledge-Based Design in Automotive Seat Development

Management of product complexity in virtual development establishes as an important challenge that has to be considered to ensure efficient product creation. The main goal is to provide a virtual environment, which allows the simultaneous definition, representation, verification and alignment of involved components. As a key aspect of the present publication, an integrated approach based on a novel configuration of a design-related master model that connects different development disciplines is introduced. Several methods are integrated to this approach and support a continuous efficient development even in early phases. The paper completes with an exemplary application in automotive seat development, representative as one of the complex disciplines in automotive engineering.

Multi-CAD approach for knowledge-based design methods

The CAD-based design phase is characterized by a cooperation of manufacturer and supplier, which often use CAD software with different versions or even different vendors. In this context, the paper focusses on the development and application of knowledge-based engineering (KBE) within multi-CAD environment. Usually, knowledge-based design (KBD) methods are developed within and for specific CAD systems, respectively specific software configurations or releases. Engineering and component supplier companies are faced with the problem that car manufacturers (OEM) work with different CAD software solutions. A multi-CAD strategy is able to support the handling and organization of different CAD-related project environments, especially in view of knowledge-based and automated design applications, as well as data management. The presented approach provides a platform for the efficient development of KBD applications for multi-CAD environments.

A knowledge-based framework for integration of computer aided styling and computer aided engineering

ABSTRACTThe collaboration of industrial design and engineering design traditionally represents a potential area of conflict. In view of virtual product development, industrial styling-technology processes provide significant gaps on the way from industrial to engineering design. The present paper introduces a novel knowledge-based engineering framework for an effective and efficient integration of virtual styling and engineering disciplines including management of data quality, data structuring and meta-information of Class-A data. As a key aspect of the research work, Class-A verification configurations for implemented checks were developed and applied to the framework. The paper closes with an exemplary application of the framework on a typical automotive styling integration workflow including a short exemplary description of the developed software prototype.

A Method of CAD Based Automation and Simulation by the Example of Virtual Stone Chipping Testing

Frontloading in product development supports the possibility to make important decisions as soon as possible. The dedication of virtual product development tools implicates cost savings by reduction of physical prototype testing. The present publication treats the potential of computer-aided design (CAD) in a specific application to offer changeable, quick and efficient development. The application of the developed methods and tools is shown for stone chipping investigations, which are important for the definition of corrosion protection measures in automotive body design. The automation by use of modern parametric-associative CAD models in combination with high level of knowledge integration enables the creation of simulation tools, which are able to support development processes especially in early stages.

A CAD-based Layout Environment for a Semi-automated Test Bench Assembly

ABSTRACTToday, several technical components still need to be tested physically to verify their reliability under real-life conditions. For example, automotive powertrains have to be checked in particular test benches, before they are released to market. The creation of these test benches requires the development of a functional pre-layout with a subsequently performed design of a geometrical layout within 3D-CAD. The entire process turns out as a time-consuming and iterative task, whose success primarily depends on the experience of the involved engineers. The present paper describes a method for a semi-automated creation of powertrain test bench assemblies. This method includes knowledge-based engineering methods coupled with a 3D-CAD environment and a knowledge database for semi-automated layout and part creation.

Aerodynamic Investigations in Conceptual Vehicle Development Supported by Integrated Design and Simulation Methods

In automotive development, the main characteristics of a new car model are determined in the initial phases of product generation. Since the conceptual definition has to consider various, partially conflicting boundary conditions and requirements, the resulting vehicle concept always represents an outcome of intensive optimization processes. This multidisciplinary optimization requires a high flexibility from the tools, methods and processes applied. In the present approach, an integration of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) disciplines form an easy-to-handle tool to support and maintain the entire conceptual full-vehicle process. This starts with initial ideas, sketches and specifications, continues with 3D-CAD representation of boundary conditions, forming preliminary and eventually final vehicle concept geometries, and finally provides functional layout procedures for weight estimation, propulsion layout, driving dynamics behaviour and aerodynamic characteristics.