EHTC 2009

Optimization Within the Product Development Process at Tedrive

Luis Höks, Tedrive

The application of optimization technology is becoming increasingly widespread throughout the tedrive design process to reduce costs and the development cycle time. Simultaneous engineering already starts in the concept phase. At this time the geometrical conditions and the technical requirements change fast and frequently. Without the application of CAE-tools like topology optimization an efficient adaption of the Concept to new circumstances are questionable. This paper details the application of optimization techniques to find an optimized design with a reduced mass that meets the customer targets and is feasible. Two examples are shown: First, a bracket development process, the design space and the targets (1. Eigenmode, suitable to bear service loads) are given by the customer. Second, a differential housing investigation to determine the load paths. Topological optimization with Altair OptiStruct is best used early in the tedrive design process and derives structure from applied loads and boundary conditions. In this way, the concepts defined are less influenced by what has come before (unnecessary rips, reinforcements, etc.) and often provide innovative new ways of carrying loads efficiently.

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