F2008-04-008
Integrated 3D-CAD Design Methods in Automotive Development Processes
Time- and cost efficient development processes in the automotive industry are often based on the application of modern IT-supported engineering tools. Computer aided three-dimensional design and calculation methods are widespread and well introduced in component development and digital mock-up processes, following conventional development strategies in principle. The present publication includes an assessment and evaluation of integrated 3D-CAD design methods for automotive development processes. A basis for the application of enhanced design methods is the parametric generation of automotive body components and assembled configurations. As an improvement of parametric model structures, the integration of external databases in 3D-CAD development processes can support the work of design engineers. In this way, the design process itself is performed in a current 3D-CAD system, which is linked to external data storage. These databases include geometrical information as well as ergonomic data, safety relevant information, requirements concerning legislation boundaries or others. The key for an efficient interaction between CAD design processes and the management of CAD - external data is a smart linking of both systems. Modern 3D-CAD software packages as well as modern data maintenance systems offer various possibilities to optimize the interaction between both worlds, supporting the automatical generation and optimization of automotive components in virtual development processes. A classic application of external controlled 3D-CAD methods are variant studies or geometry optimization processes. Re-iterated operations, which have had to be performed by the design engineers so far, can now be separated from the design process. Loop - operations, which are based on geometry defining parameters, the assessment of the design and, if required, an optimization of existing parameters, can be performed in suitable outsourced program tools. In this way, the present paper points to new strategies and methods in combination with network based data and information transfer, which are able to support a significant cost and time reduction in engineering based development processes.
Session: Design Process