System and method for crashworthiness analysis in design

Abstract

A computer-aided design system comprises: a display device; a memory storing a plurality of response surface models; and a processor configured to: (a) display a graphical user interface including a vehicle frame model; (b) display a section configuration panel including one or more cross-sectional dimension values ​​for one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a first cross-sectional member among a plurality of cross-sectional members; (c) obtain a first response surface model based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions for the first cross-sectional member; (d) determine one or more predicted values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member based on the values ​​of the cross-sectional dimensions, the predicted values ​​including one or more predicted crash resistances for the cross-sectional member; and (e) display the predicted values, thereby allowing a user to evaluate the predicted values ​​to adapt the vehicle design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to simulation systems and, more particularly, to systems and methods for providing crashworthiness analysis in computer-aided design (CAD) for conceptual design engineering. Background Art

[0002] Automotive designers use computer-aided engineering (CAE) and design software to design and analyze various aspects of new vehicles under development, such as the body structure (e.g., the vehicle frame). Design engineers may consider crashworthiness during the design of a new vehicle. A vehicle's crashworthiness is the structure's ability to protect its occupants in a collision. Crashworthiness analysis can consider, for example, how a vehicle's structure might deform during certain types of collisions.

[0003] During the typical conceptual design phase of a new vehicle, designers can use various CAE tools to perform conceptual crash analysis. Using finite element (FE) models for conceptual crash analysis is often inappropriate because no geometry is available to create the FE model, and crash analysis using FE models is computationally prohibitive during the conceptual design phase. Therefore, using abstract models can help improve performance. One analysis approach involves generating an abstract model of the vehicle frame (e.g., a lumped mass-spring model), which can be used to optimize load paths and distribute crash forces and energy throughout the structure. However, this approach involves the time-consuming process of determining the crash behavior of each spring, a complex problem in CAE. For example, design engineers may need to perform trial and error on the design components, assigning various parameters to each member of the frame (e.g., a beam), and then testing them through physical testing or finite element (FE) simulations. Given the number of components in a typical vehicle model, finding appropriate cross-sections for all components is impractical. Furthermore, design engineers may not have sufficient simulation and analysis background to perform or understand the output of such simulations. Therefore, there is a need for a system that provides crashworthiness analysis to design engineers in an efficient and understandable manner during conceptual design when limited data is available. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a computer-aided design (CAD) system is provided. The CAD system includes a display device. The CAD system also includes a memory storing a plurality of surface models. Each of the plurality of surface models is in an n-dimensional space, the n-dimensional space including (a) one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a cross-sectional member of a vehicle design, and (b) one of a force and a moment. The CAD system further includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to display a graphical user interface including a vehicle frame model to a user and on a display device. The model includes a plurality of cross-sectional members of the vehicle frame and a plurality of joint connections. Each of the plurality of joints is connected to two or more cross-sectional members of the plurality of cross-sectional members. The instructions also cause the processor to display a cross-sectional configuration panel on the display device, the cross-sectional configuration panel including one or more cross-sectional dimension values ​​for one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a first cross-sectional member of the plurality of cross-sectional members. The instructions further cause the processor to obtain a first response surface model from a plurality of response surface models based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the first cross-sectional member. The instructions also cause the processor to determine one or more predicted values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the first cross-sectional member, the one or more predicted values ​​including one or more predicted crash resistances for the cross-sectional member. The instructions further cause the processor to display the one or more predicted values ​​in a graphical user interface, thereby allowing a user to evaluate the one or more predicted values ​​to adapt the vehicle design.

[0005] In another aspect, a method for providing a computer-aided design interface is provided. The method is executed by a processor having memory. The method displays a graphical user interface (GUI) including a vehicle frame model to a user and on a display device. The GUI includes a plurality of cross-sectional members of the vehicle frame and a plurality of joint connections. Each of the plurality of joints is connected to two or more cross-sectional members of the plurality of cross-sectional members. The method further includes displaying a sectional configuration panel on the display device, the sectional configuration panel including one or more cross-sectional dimension values ​​for one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a first cross-sectional member of the plurality of cross-sectional members. The method further includes obtaining a first response surface model from a plurality of response surface models based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions for the first cross-sectional member. Each of the plurality of response surface models is in an n-dimensional space including (a) one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the cross-sectional members of the vehicle design and (b) one of a force and a moment. The method further includes determining one or more predicted values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the first cross-sectional member, the one or more predicted values ​​including one or more predicted crash resistance values ​​for the cross-sectional member. The method further includes displaying the one or more predicted values ​​in the GUI, thereby allowing the user to evaluate the one or more predicted values ​​to adapt the vehicle design.

[0006] In another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon. When executed by at least one processor, the computer-executable instructions cause the processor to store a plurality of response surface models in a memory. Each of the plurality of response surface models resides in an n-dimensional space comprising (a) one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a cross-sectional member of a vehicle design, and (b) one of a force and a moment. The computer-executable instructions further cause the at least one processor to display a graphical user interface including a vehicle frame model to a user and on a display device. The model includes a plurality of cross-sectional members of the vehicle frame and a plurality of joint connections. Each of the plurality of joints is connected to two or more cross-sectional members of the plurality of cross-sectional members. The computer-executable instructions further cause the at least one processor to display a cross-sectional configuration panel on the display device, the cross-sectional configuration panel including one or more cross-sectional dimension values ​​for one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a first cross-sectional member of the plurality of cross-sectional members. The computer-executable instructions further cause the at least one processor to retrieve a first response surface model from the plurality of response surface models based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the first cross-sectional member. The computer-executable instructions further cause the at least one processor to determine one or more predicted values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the first cross-sectional member. The one or more predicted values ​​include one or more predicted crash resistances for the cross-sectional member. The computer executable instructions further cause the at least one processor to display the one or more predicted values ​​in a graphical user interface, thereby allowing a user to evaluate the one or more predicted values ​​to adapt the vehicle design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1-5 Exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems described herein are shown.

[0008] Figure 1 is a diagram of an example computer-aided design (CAD) system including a cross-section design module for configuring cross-section parameters of a frame model during conceptual design of a vehicle.

[0009] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The diagram of the various submodules of the cross-section design module is shown in .

[0010] Figure 3 Showing example views of a design interface presented to a user by a design system.

[0011] Figure 4 Another example view of a design interface is shown in which a section configuration panel is provided.

[0012] Figure 5 Shows the section configuration panel provided by the Section Design module.

[0013] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A cross-sectional configuration panel with two similar double-hat cross sections is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure by way of example and not limitation. It is contemplated that the present disclosure has general applicability to computer simulations with conceptual design engineering and crashworthiness analysis.

[0015] The design system provides a user interface that allows design engineers to view crashworthiness data while configuring the cross-sectional dimensions of various components used in the frame model. During the conceptual design phase of a vehicle, design engineers create a high-level design of the vehicle frame (e.g., skeletal structure, load path) based on factors such as styling, weight, powertrain, suspension type, and layout. This design is modeled in the design system as a lumped mass-spring (LMS) model and optimized for crashworthiness. This provides structural engineers with insights into the crash loading path and deformation sequence, helping them understand how to design components for improved crash response.

[0016] Once the LMS model has been configured and optimized, the design engineer uses the design system to configure individual components (e.g., cross-section members of a vehicle frame) via a design interface (e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI)). In an example embodiment, the cross-section of the vehicle frame is a rectangular beam with cross-sectional dimensions of width, height, thickness, and material yield stress. The design interface presents the design engineer ("user") with a graphical representation of the LMS model, including a wireframe representation of the vehicle frame showing the various cross-sectional members and the connection points between these members. The design interface allows the user to select and configure a specific cross-section within the interface. The interface provides an overlay window that allows the user to change the cross-sectional dimensions and view various target parameters (e.g., forces, moments) and predictions for that cross-section. The target parameters for each cross-section are configured during initial model creation and optimization (e.g., by a crash engineer (CE)) and represent how much crash resistance (e.g., forces, moments) the cross-sectional member is expected to withstand. The prediction for that cross-section represents how the cross-section is predicted to perform as currently configured (e.g., with the current cross-sectional dimensions). The design engineer is tasked with designing the material based on other design considerations (e.g. packaging space, availability of sheet metal gauges and material grades, internal weight and cost targets, dynamic / static stiffness targets, manufacturability constraints, etc.).

[0017] In order to effectively provide predictions, many possible cross-sectional designs and their resulting collision resistances are pre-determined and ranked for use by the design system in the design interface. In an example embodiment, the design system pre-calculates or otherwise identifies a response model based on specific cross-sectional dimensions in the design space that is used to approximate the axial crushing force. For example, the design system can perform simulations to generate radial basis function (RBF) approximation models (e.g., response surfaces) of axial forces and bending moments over the design space (e.g., within a selected range of height, width, thickness (gauge), and material yield stress). These RBF approximation models are pre-calculated and stored by the design system for use within the design interface. During operation, when a user selects a specific cross-section, the design interface allows the user to change cross-sectional parameters (e.g., via a slider, selection button) over the design space of the RBF model. When the user changes any cross-sectional parameter, the design system uses the changed design parameters and the stored RBF model to determine the expected forces and moments for the cross-section given the currently selected design parameters. These predicted values ​​are displayed adjacent to the target forces and moments for the cross-section and the percentage error, allowing the user to quickly view the predictions relative to the target. Because the RBF approximation model is pre-calculated, the design system allows designers to view target and predicted values ​​determined based on concepts they understand (such as design parameters) without having to switch to a simulation program and run a simulation.

[0018] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "an exemplary embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0019] As used herein, the term "database" may refer to either a body of data, a relational database management system (RDBMS), or both. As used herein, a database may include any collection of data, including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object-oriented databases, and any other structured collection of records or data stored in a computer system. The above examples are merely examples and, therefore, are not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of the term database. Examples of RDBMS include, but are not limited to Database, MySQL, DB2, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL. However, any database that enables the systems and methods described herein may be used (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation in Redwood Shores, California; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in Armonk, New York; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase in Dublin, California).

[0020] As used herein, a processor may include any programmable system, including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuits or processors capable of performing the functions described herein. The above examples are merely examples and are therefore not intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of the term "processor" in any way.

[0021] As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are interchangeable and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by a processor, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types are examples only, and thus there is no limitation on the types of memory that can be used to store computer programs.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided and the program is provided on a computer readable medium. In an exemplary embodiment, the system is executed on a single computer system without being connected to a server computer. In another embodiment, the system is executed on a single computer system without being connected to a server computer. In another embodiment, the system operates in a mainframe environment and The system is designed to run on a server environment (UNIX is a registered trademark of X / Open Company Limited located in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom). The application is very flexible and is designed to run in a variety of different environments without compromising any of the primary functions. In some embodiments, the system includes multiple components distributed across multiple computing devices. One or more components can be in the form of computer-executable instructions embodied in a computer-readable medium. The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. In addition, the components of each system and each process can be implemented independently and separately from the other components and processes described herein. Each component and process can also be used in combination with other component packages and processes.

[0023] Figure 11 is a diagram of an example computer-aided design (CAD) system (or simply "design system") 100 that includes a cross-section design module 130 for configuring cross-section parameters of a frame model during the conceptual design of a vehicle. In an example embodiment, the design system 100 includes a computing device 110 executing a CAD software system 120. The computing device 110 includes one or more processors 112 and a memory 114 that stores the CAD software system 120. The computing device 110 is coupled to a display device 118 that allows a user 102 (e.g., a design engineer) to interact with the CAD software system 120 to perform various design activities, such as viewing the frame model of the vehicle, configuring cross-section dimensions of the frame sections, viewing target and predicted forces and moments, and other such functions as described herein. The computing device 110 may include other conventional hardware and software components of a conventional computing device (e.g., a communication device such as a network interface card, or input / output devices such as a keyboard, pointing device, touch screen, audio input / output devices, etc.), but these devices are not shown for the sake of brevity.

[0024] CAD software system 120 includes various design support modules 122 that can be used to prepare, execute, and evaluate the results of computer-based simulations and other such CAD functions. Such design support modules 122 may include, for example, 3D product design tools such as a computer-aided drafting (CAD) module, and analysis tools such as a finite element analysis module, a computational fluid dynamics module, and a computational electromagnetic module (not separately shown) that supports computer-aided engineering. CAD software system 120 allows user 102 to configure and execute various types of computer-implemented simulations, for example, in an effort to understand how their real-world counterparts will behave or react under various conditions.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the CAD software system 120 further includes a cross-section design module 130. The cross-section design module 130 provides a graphical user interface ("design interface"). Figure 1 ), which allows the user 102 to view and configure aspects of a frame design for a vehicle frame or other support structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section design module 130 displays an LMS model ( Figure 1). The cross-sectional design module 130 renders the frame in a design interface, allowing the user 102 to manipulate the view of the frame (e.g., rotate, zoom in / out, etc.), select components of the frame, view configuration data or properties of the selected components (e.g., cross-sectional dimensions, target forces / torques, probability data), and change the cross-sectional dimensions of the selected components (e.g., width, height, thickness, material grade). The cross-sectional design module 130 also determines the collision resistance for forces and moments by applying the current settings for the cross-sectional dimensions to one or more pre-configured approximation models stored in the model database 116 (e.g., an RSM surface library using an RBF approximation model). In some embodiments, the design module 130 can determine the cross-sectional geometry based on the provided collision resistance values. The RSM approximation can be based on a polynomial fit via least squares regression of the output parameters to the input parameters. Depending on the selected order of the polynomial (e.g., linear, quadratic, cubic, quartic), the initialization of the approximation will be evaluated using a certain number of design points. The component being approximated can be executed multiple times to collect the required data, or a data file can be used as an initialization source. The RBF approximation is a neural network that uses a hidden layer of radial units and an output layer of linear units. The RBF approximation is characterized by fairly fast training and a fairly compact network, and is useful in approximating nonlinear spaces. An example of an RBF could be:

[0026] Axial force = {A*height+B*width+C*material elasticity+D*thickness}+F,

[0027] where A, B, C, D, and F are all real numbers. The function can be second order or higher as needed. After collecting input from the user, the function can be used to calculate the value of the axial force (e.g., as an equation of the RSM determined earlier). In some embodiments, the design module 130 can perform a data lookup in which all data points that make up the RSM are stored and retrieved, and the design module 130 projects the user-input data points onto the cloud to derive various predictions.

[0028] During operation, when the user 102 selects a particular cross-sectional component, the cross-sectional design module 130 displays an overlay window containing configuration inputs that allows the user to view and change the current cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., via buttons, sliders, input boxes, etc.). Upon detecting one or more changes in the current cross-sectional dimensions, the cross-sectional design module 130 is configured to determine updated prediction data using the RBF approximation model and the current settings. The cross-sectional design module 130 displays the updated prediction data adjacent to the target data in the overlay window. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional design module 130 may also determine and display the percentage error between the target value and the current prediction value.

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1. As described herein, each of the submodules 200 of the cross-section design module 130 performs various functions to generate a material model using stability-based constrained numerical calibration. In an example embodiment, the cross-section design module 130 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) module 210, a model module 212, a cross-section coverage module 214, a prediction module 216, and a simulation module 218 (collectively referred to as "submodules 200"). Each of the submodules 200 can interact with the other submodules 200 when performing their respective functions.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section design module 130 provides a graphical user interface ( Figure 2 1 ), the user 102 may interact with various aspects of the section design module 130 through the graphical user interface. The GUI module 210 provides graphical user interface functionality to the user 102 via the display device 118 for many of the sub-modules 200, such as allowing the user 102 to view and manipulate the LMS model of the vehicle frame, view and edit the cross-sectional dimensions of the frame sections via the section overlay module 214, and view the structural shell beams of the full vehicle body model constructed based on the configured frame model.

[0031] In an example embodiment, the model module 212 allows engineers to define design requirements and design constraints for a vehicle during conceptual design (e.g., plotting possible paths for the structure), build a frame model (e.g., an LMS model) for the vehicle frame, configure target parameters (e.g., forces, moments) for various frame sections, and optimize the frame model for crashworthiness.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section overlay module 214 is configured to provide an overlay window in the design interface. When a frame member is selected, the GUI module 210 calls the cross-section overlay module 214 to display the overlay window in the design interface. The overlay window includes a cross-section size area that displays the current values ​​of the various cross-section sizes (e.g., height, width, standard thickness, and material grade) of the selected member. In addition, the cross-section size area also provides input actions that allow the user 102 to change the cross-section size (e.g., a toggle button for various possible material grades or standard thicknesses, a slide bar or input box for height and width sizes). The overlay window also includes a target area and a prediction area. As defined during the initial model construction, the target area displays the target parameters and values ​​(e.g., target crushing force, target bending moment) associated with the selected cross section. The prediction area includes predicted values ​​for one or more target parameters (e.g., predicted crushing force, predicted bending moment) provided by the prediction module 216. In some embodiments, the prediction area can also include an error metric (e.g., crushing force error percentage, bending moment error percentage) that embodies the difference between the value of the target parameter and the predicted value. In some embodiments, the overlay window may also include a cross-sectional view of the base cross-sectional type for the selected cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional view may graphically illustrate one or more of the various cross-sectional parameters, such as height, width, or thickness.

[0033] The prediction module 216 is configured to generate the predicted value displayed in the prediction area. In an exemplary embodiment, the prediction module 216 accesses the model database 116 to obtain a model (e.g., a response surface method (RSM) model) from a library of such models. The prediction module 216 uses one or more RSM models to generate a predicted value, which will be filled in the overlay window (e.g., when the user 102 changes the cross-sectional size). For example, the user 102 can change the width of the cross section in the overlay window from 40 millimeters (mm) to 80 mm by clicking and dragging the slider, while maintaining the height at 40 mm, the thickness at 0.8 mm, and the material yield stress at 300 MPa (MPa). In order to generate the crushing force prediction value, the prediction module 216 identifies an RBF for crushing force from the RSM model library based on the current cross-sectional size selected by the user. Similarly, in order to generate the bending moment prediction value, the prediction module 216 can also identify another RBF for bending moment from the RSM model library based on the current cross-sectional size selected by the user. Each of these RBFs is an arithmetic function derived using RSM and takes a set of input dimensions to identify its associated output. Figure 5In the rectangular cross-section example shown in , the inputs for both RBFs include the width and height of the cross section, the thickness of the side faces, and the material grade. Therefore, the RBF for the box-section component is a 4D model. In other embodiments, RSMs and RBFs for other cross-sections can be provided, each similarly having an RBF for the crushing force and an RBF for the bending moment for various input parameters.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional design module 130 may also include a simulation module 218. The simulation module 218 may allow engineers to build and optimize an LMS model of the vehicle frame, identifying the design space defined by the concept and package designers and placing rigid-type entities such as the powertrain, suspension, heat exchanger, and passenger compartment. The simulation module 218 may also allow engineers to optimize the model for crashworthiness (e.g., optimizing the stiffness level of a component for expected acceleration, intrusion, and time or rebound). The simulation module 218 may be used to pre-configure the RSM model database 116 with RSM models for specific component profiles and cross-sectional dimensions. For example, the simulation module 218 may be used to construct various RSM models by simulating axial collapse and bending by applying load-based predetermined displacements and rotations to cross-sectional components of a specific cross-sectional profile and a specific cross-sectional dimension. Thus, for a specific cross-sectional profile type, the simulation module 218 may be used to construct RSM models (forces, moments) for multiple combinations of cross-sectional dimensions to create an RSM library for prediction.

[0035] Figure 3 An example view of a design interface 300 presented to a user 102 by the design system 100 (e.g., the cross-section design module 130) is shown. In this example embodiment, the design interface 300 displays a mass-spring model 302 of a vehicle frame in a conceptual design. The model 302 includes cross-section members 304 of the vehicle frame, which are attached to other cross-section members 304 at joints 306 to form a representation of the vehicle frame at this stage of the design. In the context of mass-spring modeling, the joints 306 represent masses, while the cross-section members 304 represent nonlinear springs.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, a model 302 is generated during early vehicle design, starting with initial information about vehicle standards. This provides an idea of ​​the lowest permissible acceleration during a crash scenario. Together with this initial information, an initial packaging layout provides an approximate idea of ​​the deformable and non-deformable areas. Using this data, targets for maximum acceleration and maximum deformation distance can be determined. In addition to these two primary objectives, the time to maximum deformation is also selected as a target variable to examine how quickly the structure can decelerate (e.g., for passenger protection purposes).

[0037] Once the rigid body and design space are defined, engineers model variations of the structure by positioning and connecting springs in the design space and then use a design of experiments (DOE) approach to find desirable combinations among the various variations. The force-displacement and moment-angle of each component are defined as design parameters, and the maximum acceleration and maximum displacement are the DOE objectives. The results show which parts contribute to achieving the objectives. In this way, engineers can use these results to quickly narrow the distribution of load paths to a few and select the desired combination. Once the structure is selected, parameter optimization can be performed to determine the optimal distribution of spring stiffness. Such parameter optimization can include running the model thousands of times. However, the performance of the lumped mass-spring model 302 can be performed in a reasonably fast time (e.g., within a few hours). During the conceptual design phase, it is acceptable to sacrifice some accuracy for performance (e.g., through FE modeling methods, which have longer solution times to obtain more accurate results). At this stage, rough estimates are acceptable if sufficient information is available to allow decisions about the design direction to be made.

[0038] for Figure 3 , at this stage of the design, the user 102 (e.g., a design engineer) has an optimized mass-spring model 302 and is preparing to configure the cross-sectional dimensions for each cross-sectional member 304. The design interface 300 allows the user 102 to manipulate the view of the model 302, translate or rotate the model 302, zoom in or out, and so on.

[0039] Figure 4 Another example view of the design interface 300 is shown in which a section configuration panel 410 is provided. In the example embodiment, when the user 102 selects the section member 404, the section design module 130 provides the section configuration panel 410 as an overlay window within the design interface 300. After the section member 404 is selected, the section design module 130 highlights the selected section member 404 and displays the section configuration panel 410 for use by the user 102. The section configuration panel 410 is populated with various configuration information about the section member 404 and allows the user 102 to change components of the configuration information and view predicted information based on the current configuration.

[0040] Figure 5A section configuration panel 410 provided by the section design module 130 is shown. In the exemplary embodiment, the section configuration panel 410 includes current values ​​for various cross-sectional dimensions of the selected section member 404, including width 512 (e.g., (w), in millimeters), height 514 (e.g., (h), in millimeters), thickness 516 (e.g., thickness (t), in millimeters), and material 518 (e.g., as a material type identifier). The section configuration panel 410 displays the current value for each of the cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., as a numerical value shown in a box, as a button to press). In addition, the section configuration panel 410 allows the user 102 to edit or otherwise change the cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., by moving a slide, entering a new value, pressing another button). In this way, the user 102 can edit the current settings for the cross-sectional dimensions. In the exemplary embodiment, the section design module 130 provides full numeric widths and heights within a continuous range of widths and heights (e.g., any integer value between 20 and 300 (mm)). In some embodiments, the cross-section design module 130 may limit the width 512 or height 514 based on a plurality of predetermined widths or heights (e.g., by only toggling the slider through those plurality of predetermined widths or heights). In some embodiments, the cross-section design module 130 may limit the width 512 or height 514 based on the available sizes of the RSM model for the current cross-section from the RSM model database 116. The cross-section configuration panel 410 may also include a lock button for one or more cross-section sizes. The lock button for a particular cross-section size may function as a toggle button, allowing the user 102 to change that cross-section size (e.g., when unlocked) and then lock that cross-section size to help ensure that no changes are inadvertently made to that size.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section configuration panel 410 also includes a profile view box 510 that illustrates the cross-sectional shape of the selected cross-sectional member 404 (e.g., a rectangle in this example). The profile view box 510 also visually depicts some cross-sectional dimensions for user convenience (e.g., h for height, w for width, and t for thickness). In some embodiments, the cross-section configuration panel 410 may allow the user to select from a variety of cross-sections (e.g., rectangular, elliptical, double-capped, or other custom-created cross-sections). In some embodiments, the cross-section design module 130 may dynamically determine the cross-sections to be presented to the user for selection based on the availability of RSMs and RBFs for a given cross-section in the RSM model database 116. Furthermore, for each available cross-section, the cross-section design module 130 may store and populate the cross-section configuration panel 410 with a cross-sectional profile image (e.g., a box cross-section 510) and input widgets for various input parameters used with a particular cross-sectional RBF (e.g., sliders or selection buttons for width 512, height 514, thickness 516, and material 518).

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, the cross-section configuration panel 410 also displays a target value 520, a predicted value 522, and a percentage error 524, and for each item, displays a force (e.g., in Newtons (N)) and a moment (e.g., in Newton meters (Nm)). The target value 520 represents a target crushing force and a target moment that have been previously assigned to the selected cross-section member 404 and must withstand. The predicted value 522 is a predicted crushing force and a predicted moment that the selected cross-section member 404 is predicted to withstand, generated by the design system 100 based on the current cross-section size selected by the user 102. The percentage error 524 is a percentage error generated by the design system 100 based on the difference between one of the target values ​​520 (e.g., force 530) and the associated predicted value 530. For example, the cross-section design module 130 may calculate the percentage error as:

[0043]

[0044] During operation, the user 102 can change one or more cross-sectional dimensions and press the generate button 540 to calculate predicted values ​​for forces and moments. As described above, the cross-sectional design module 130 reads the current values ​​of the cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., as shown on the cross-sectional configuration panel 410) and uses these values ​​to determine predicted forces and predicted moments based on the RMS model in the RMS model database 116. The cross-sectional design module 130 can also calculate percentage errors for the forces and moments based on the determined predicted values. The cross-sectional design module 130 displays both the predicted values ​​and the percentage error values ​​on the cross-sectional configuration panel 410, allowing the user 102 to see how close the current cross-sectional dimensions are to the target values. In some embodiments, when a change in any cross-sectional dimension is detected in the cross-sectional configuration panel 410, the cross-sectional design module 130 can automatically determine a new predicted value. Automatic change detection and updating of predicted values ​​allows the user 102 to make changes more quickly and quickly see the results of these changes (e.g., without having to press an additional button).

[0045] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional design module 130 automatically saves the cross-sectional dimensions for the selected cross-sectional member 404, as configured within the cross-sectional configuration panel 410. Once the user 102 is satisfied with the selected cross-sectional dimensions, the user 102 may press the exit button 546 to close the cross-sectional configuration panel 410. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional design module 130 allows the user 102 to select another cross-sectional member 304 for review and configuration. In this manner, the cross-sectional design module 130 may read the current values ​​for the newly selected cross-sectional member and populate the cross-sectional configuration panel 410, overwriting the cross-sectional dimensions, target values, and predicted values ​​of the previously selected cross-sectional member 404 with the cross-sectional dimensions and target values ​​of the newly selected cross-sectional member. The cross-sectional design module 130 may also automatically determine and display predicted values ​​for the newly selected cross-sectional member (e.g., based on any previously saved cross-sectional dimensions for that cross-sectional member).

[0046] Thus, the user 102 can configure each of the cross-sectional members 304 via the design interface 300 and the cross-sectional configuration panel 410. Once each of the cross-sectional members 304 has been configured with a cross-sectional size, the model 302 can be used to construct a shell mesh model (not shown) for the structural skeleton of the vehicle. Each of the cross-sectional members of the shell mesh model is created based on the cross-sectional size set by the user 102 within the design interface 302. The CAD software system 120 can then use the shell mesh model to verify crash behavior and test other basic performance in various computer simulations (e.g., crash test simulations).

[0047] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A cross-sectional configuration panel 410 is shown having two similar double-hat cross sections. Figure 6A A double cap cross section 610 is shown with a septum. Figure 6B A double-hat cross section 612 is shown without a diaphragm. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross sections 610, 612 include an upper-hat component 620 and a lower-hat component 622. The cross section 610 further includes a diaphragm component 624. The cross section design module 130 separately stores and retrieves the RBFs for both the cross sections 610, 612 (e.g., because each cross section will have a different response profile) and the RBFs for both the crushing force and the bending moment. Each of the RBFs for the cross sections 610, 612 uses various widths and depths for various sizes of components, as well as standard thicknesses and material grades for various elements of the components 620-624. The cross section configuration panel 410 provides input widgets for each of these input parameters, allowing the user to change each input widget and view the subsequent output value. The cross section configuration panel 410 may provide a checkbox 612 that allows the user to switch between the double-hat cross section 610 with a diaphragm and the double-hat cross section 612 without a diaphragm.

[0048] As will be understood based on the foregoing description, the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset thereof, wherein the technical effect is a system for generating stable material models and using such stable material models in computer simulations. Any such resulting program having computer readable code components may be implemented or provided within one or more computer readable media, thereby manufacturing a computer program product, i.e., an article of manufacture, according to the discussed embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer readable medium may be, for example, but not limited to, a fixed (hard) drive, a floppy disk, an optical disk, a magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory (such as a read-only memory (ROM)), and / or any sending / receiving medium such as the Internet or other communication network or link. An article of manufacture containing computer code may be manufactured and / or used by executing the code directly from one medium, copying the code from one medium to another, or sending the code over a network.

[0049] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, "apps," or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium," "computer-readable medium," and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., a disk, an optical disk, a memory, a programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor that includes a machine-readable medium that receives the machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. However, "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" do not include transient signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0050] At least one of the technical problems solved by the system includes: (i) allowing design engineers to work in easily understood terms (e.g., cross-sectional dimensions, target forces / torques compared to predicted forces / torques, percentage errors) without having in-depth simulation knowledge; and (ii) pre-processing simulation results for various combinations and permutations of cross-sectional dimensions and cross-sectional profile geometries to improve responsiveness within the design interface. Other technical problems solved by the system and method described herein may include increased computer processing due to unnecessary components present in the system, thereby reducing computer speed.

[0051] The methods and systems described herein may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset thereof, wherein the technical effect may be achieved by performing at least one of the following steps: (i) displaying a graphical user interface including a vehicle frame model to a user and on a display device, wherein the model includes a plurality of cross-sectional members and a plurality of joint connections of the vehicle frame, wherein each of the plurality of joints is connected to two or more cross-sectional members of the plurality of cross-sectional members; (ii) displaying a cross-sectional configuration panel on the display device, the cross-sectional configuration panel including one or more cross-sectional dimension values ​​for one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a first cross-sectional member of the plurality of cross-sectional members; and (iii) Retrieving a first response surface model from a plurality of response surface models based on values ​​of one or more cross-sectional dimensions for the first cross-sectional member, wherein each response surface model in the plurality of response surface models is in an n-dimensional space that includes (a) one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a cross-sectional member of a vehicle design, and (b) one of a force and a moment; (iv) determining one or more predicted values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the first cross-sectional member, wherein the one or more predicted values ​​include one or more predicted collision resistances for the cross-sectional member; and (v) displaying the one or more predicted values ​​in a graphical user interface to allow a user to evaluate the one or more predicted values ​​to adapt to the vehicle design.

[0052] The ultimate technical effect achieved by the system is at least one of the following: improving computational performance within the design interface by avoiding the need to perform simulations when entering new cross-sectional dimensions for a particular cross-sectional member; and improving the usability of the design interface for design engineers.

[0053] This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A computer-aided design system comprising: Display devices; a memory storing a plurality of radial basis function (RBF) approximation models, each of the plurality of RBF approximation models being in an n-dimensional space, the n-dimensional space comprising (a) one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a cross-sectional member of a vehicle design, and (b) one of a force and a moment; as well as a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory, the instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to at least: displaying to a user and on the display device a graphical user interface including a vehicle frame model, the vehicle frame model including a plurality of cross-sectional members of the vehicle frame and a plurality of joint connections, each joint of the plurality of joints attaching two or more cross-sectional members of the plurality of cross-sectional members; displaying a cross-section configuration panel on the display device, the cross-section configuration panel including one or more cross-section size values ​​for one or more cross-section sizes of a first cross-section member of the plurality of cross-section members; obtaining a first RBF approximation model from a plurality of RBF approximation models stored in the memory based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions for the first cross-sectional member; determining, using the first RBF approximation model, one or more predicted values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the first cross-sectional member, the one or more predicted values ​​including one or more predicted collision resistances for the cross-sectional member; as well as The one or more predicted values ​​are displayed in the graphical user interface, thereby allowing the user to evaluate the one or more predicted values ​​to adapt to a vehicle design using the graphical user interface.

2. The computer-aided design system according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions further cause the processor to: generating a shell mesh model for the vehicle frame based on the cross-sectional size values ​​for the plurality of cross-sectional members; and A crash test simulation of the vehicle design is performed based on the shell mesh model.

3. The computer-aided design system according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions further cause the processor to: providing, in the cross-section configuration panel, a user input widget for a first cross-section dimension of the one or more cross-section dimensions, the user input widget accepting an input value for the first cross-section dimension; receiving, via the user input widget, a new value of the first cross-sectional dimension; as well as The one or more predicted values ​​are automatically determined based on receipt of the new value and using at least the new value.

4. The computer-aided design system according to claim 1, wherein: The section configuration panel displayed includes: receiving, in the graphical user interface, a selection input selecting the first cross-sectional member; retrieving one or more stored values ​​for the first cross-sectional component; and The cross-section configuration panel is automatically displayed based on receipt of the selection input, the cross-section configuration panel displaying the one or more stored values ​​as the one or more cross-section size values.

5. The computer-aided design system according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle frame model is a lumped mass-spring LMS model, wherein the plurality of cross-sectional members represent springs within the LMS model and the plurality of joints represent masses within the LMS model.

6. The computer-aided design system according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of RBF approximation models are response surface method (RSM) models, wherein the predicted collision resistance is one or more of a predicted crushing force and a predicted moment.

7. The computer-aided design system according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions further cause the processor to: displaying one or more target values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member in the cross-sectional configuration panel, the one or more target values ​​comprising one or more of a target crushing force and a target moment; calculating a prediction error value based on a comparison of the one or more target values ​​and the one or more predicted values; as well as The prediction error value is displayed in the graphical user interface.

8. A method for providing a computer-aided design interface, the method being executed by a processor having a memory, the method comprising: displaying to a user and on a display device a graphical user interface including a vehicle frame model, the vehicle frame model including a plurality of cross-sectional members of the vehicle frame and a plurality of joint connections, each joint of the plurality of joints attaching two or more cross-sectional members of the plurality of cross-sectional members; displaying a cross-section configuration panel on the display device, the cross-section configuration panel including one or more cross-section size values ​​for one or more cross-section sizes of a first cross-section member of the plurality of cross-section members; Retrieving a first radial basis function (RBF) approximation model from a plurality of radial basis function (RBF) approximation models stored in the memory based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions for the first cross-sectional member, wherein each RBF approximation model in the plurality of RBF approximation models is in an n-dimensional space, the n-dimensional space including (a) one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a cross-sectional member of a vehicle design, and (b) one of a force and a moment; determining, using the first RBF approximation model, one or more predicted values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the first cross-sectional member, the one or more predicted values ​​including one or more predicted collision resistances for the cross-sectional member; as well as The one or more predicted values ​​are displayed in the graphical user interface, thereby allowing the user to evaluate the one or more predicted values ​​to adapt to a vehicle design using the graphical user interface.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: generating a shell mesh model for the vehicle frame based on the cross-sectional size values ​​for the plurality of cross-sectional members; as well as A crash test simulation of the vehicle design is performed based on the shell mesh model.

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: providing, in the cross-section configuration panel, a user input widget for a first cross-section dimension of the one or more cross-section dimensions, the user input widget accepting an input value for the first cross-section dimension; receiving, via the user input widget, a new value of the first cross-sectional dimension; as well as The one or more predicted values ​​are automatically determined based on receipt of the new value and using at least the new value.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein The section configuration panel displayed includes: receiving, in the graphical user interface, a selection input selecting the first cross-sectional member; retrieving one or more stored values ​​for the first cross-sectional component; and The cross-section configuration panel is automatically displayed based on receipt of the selection input, the cross-section configuration panel displaying the one or more stored values ​​as the one or more cross-section size values.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein The vehicle frame model is a lumped mass-spring LMS model, wherein the plurality of cross-sectional members represent springs within the LMS model and the plurality of joints represent masses within the LMS model.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein The plurality of RBF approximation models are response surface method (RSM) models, wherein the predicted collision resistance is one or more of a predicted crushing force and a predicted moment.

14. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: displaying one or more target values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member in the cross-sectional configuration panel, the one or more target values ​​comprising one or more of a target crushing force and a target moment; calculating a prediction error value based on a comparison of the one or more target values ​​and the one or more predicted values; as well as The prediction error value is displayed in the graphical user interface.

15. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon, wherein: The computer-executable instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the processor to: Storing a plurality of radial basis function (RBF) approximation models in a memory, each of the plurality of RBF approximation models being in an n-dimensional space, the n-dimensional space comprising (a) one or more cross-sectional dimensions of a cross-sectional member of a vehicle design, and (b) one of a force and a moment; as well as displaying to a user and on a display device a graphical user interface including a vehicle frame model, the vehicle frame model including a plurality of cross-sectional members of the vehicle frame and a plurality of joint connections, each joint of the plurality of joints attaching two or more cross-sectional members of the plurality of cross-sectional members; displaying a cross-section configuration panel on the display device, the cross-section configuration panel including one or more cross-section size values ​​for one or more cross-section sizes of a first cross-section member of the plurality of cross-section members; obtaining a first RBF approximation model from the plurality of RBF approximation models stored in the memory based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions for the first cross-sectional member; determining, using the first RBF approximation model, one or more predicted values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member based on the values ​​of the one or more cross-sectional dimensions of the first cross-sectional member, the one or more predicted values ​​including one or more predicted collision resistances for the cross-sectional member; as well as The one or more predicted values ​​are displayed in the graphical user interface, thereby allowing the user to evaluate the one or more predicted values ​​to adapt to a vehicle design using the graphical user interface.

16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein: The computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to: generating a shell mesh model for the vehicle frame based on the cross-sectional size values ​​for the plurality of cross-sectional members; and A crash test simulation of the vehicle design is performed based on the shell mesh model.

17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein: The computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to: providing, in the cross-section configuration panel, a user input widget for a first cross-section dimension of the one or more cross-section dimensions, the user input widget accepting an input value for the first cross-section dimension; receiving, via the user input widget, a new value of the first cross-sectional dimension; as well as The one or more predicted values ​​are automatically determined based on receipt of the new value and using at least the new value.

18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein: The section configuration panel displayed includes: receiving, in the graphical user interface, a selection input selecting the first cross-sectional member; retrieving one or more stored values ​​for the first cross-sectional component; and The cross-section configuration panel is automatically displayed based on receipt of the selection input, the cross-section configuration panel displaying the one or more stored values ​​as the one or more cross-section size values.

19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein: The vehicle frame model is a lumped mass-spring LMS model, wherein the plurality of cross-sectional members represent springs within the LMS model, and the plurality of joints represent mass within the LMS model, wherein the plurality of RBF approximation models are response surface method (RSM) models, and wherein the predicted collision resistance is one or more of a predicted crushing force and a predicted moment.

20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein: The computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to: displaying one or more target values ​​associated with the first cross-sectional member in the cross-sectional configuration panel, the one or more target values ​​comprising one or more of a target crushing force and a target moment; calculating a prediction error value based on a comparison of the one or more target values ​​and the one or more predicted values; as well as The prediction error value is displayed in the graphical user interface.

Images