A method for modular design of structural products such as automotive bodies is presented where two structural products are simultaneously decomposed to components considering the structural performances of each structure and the component sharing between two structures. The problem is posed as an optimization to minimize the reduction of structural strength due to the introduction of spot-weld joints and the number of redundant joints, while maximizing the manufacturability of the component and component sharing between two structures. As an extension to our previous work, this paper focuses on the simultaneous decomposition of two 3D beam-based structures. The major extensions include 1) a new, realistic definition of feasible joining angles based on the local geometry of joining components, 2) a component manufacturability evaluation that eliminates the need of specifying the number of components prior to decomposition and 3) a multi-objective optimization formulation that allows an effective exploration of trade-offs among different criteria. A case study on the simplified, 3D beam models of automotive bodies is presented to demonstrate the developed method.
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March 2004
Technical Papers
Decomposition-Based Assembly Synthesis for Structural Modularity
O. L. Cetin, Graduate Student,
O. L. Cetin, Graduate Student
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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K. Saitou, Associate Professor
K. Saitou, Associate Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Search for other works by this author on:
O. L. Cetin, Graduate Student
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
K. Saitou, Associate Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Contributed by the Design Automation Committee for publication in the JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL DESIGN. Manuscript received July 2002; revised July 2003. Associate Editor: G. Fadel.
J. Mech. Des. Mar 2004, 126(2): 234-243 (10 pages)
Published Online: May 5, 2004
Article history
Received:
July 1, 2002
Revised:
July 1, 2003
Online:
May 5, 2004
Citation
Cetin, O. L., and Saitou, K. (May 5, 2004). "Decomposition-Based Assembly Synthesis for Structural Modularity ." ASME. J. Mech. Des. March 2004; 126(2): 234–243. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1666890
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