Method for the construction of modular linkers based on the software SFE-Concept and modular linkers

Abstract

This application discloses a method for constructing modular joints based on SFE-Concept software, as well as the modular joint itself. The method includes: establishing a joint model using SFE-Concept software, with the end faces of both ends of the joint serving as joint connection sections; constructing transition sections at both ends of the joint using SFE-Concept software, with the portion between the joint connection section and the transition section at each end of the joint serving as the transition section, and the portion between the transition sections at both ends of the joint serving as the main body; and adjusting the connection surfaces within the transition sections using the manual surface-patching mode of SFE-Concept software, based on the beam connection sections of the beams used to connect with the joint. This application achieves this by adjusting the transition sections of the joint in significantly less time than adjusting the joint itself or rebuilding the joint model, thus enabling the construction of universal modular joints in SFE-Concept software and improving the modeling efficiency of vehicle bodies in SFE-Concept software.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of SFE-Concept software technology, specifically relating to a method for constructing a modular connector based on SFE-Concept software and the modular connector itself. Background Technology

[0002] A parametric model of the vehicle body concept was built using SFE-Concept software. This model contains conceptual geometric data, allowing for rapid mesh generation and enabling performance analysis at the concept vehicle stage. Modeling work using SFE-Concept software primarily focused on the geometric modeling of beams and joints, as well as attribute definition and map connections. In geometric modeling, the modeling time for a single ordinary joint is approximately four hours, roughly ten times the modeling time for a single beam. For example, a vehicle body model has nine joints, meaning the modeling time for the joints alone amounted to 36 hours, directly impacting the overall vehicle body assembly efficiency.

[0003] In current joint modeling, the general approach follows a holistic modeling strategy: the internal structure and both ends of the joint are built, and identical AGR groups are defined for structurally similar areas. Faces are automatically generated, ensuring a clean connection between the joint ends and the beam. However, joints built using this method lack universality, making them unusable. When importing other vehicle body concept parametric models, the coding numbers for the joint and beam cross-sections cannot be guaranteed to be consistent. This may be due to structural differences or inconsistent modeling practices, leading to chaotic joint model connections and misaligned internal automatic connection surfaces. The workload for adjustment and modification is essentially equivalent to rebuilding the joint entirely. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to at least partially address the technical problem that the joint models currently built using SFE-Concept software lack universality. To this end, this application provides a method for constructing modular joints based on SFE-Concept software, as well as the modular joint itself.

[0005] The technical solution of this application is as follows:

[0006] On the one hand, this application provides a method for constructing modular connectors based on SFE-Concept software, the method comprising:

[0007] A model of the joint is created using SFE-Concept software, and the end faces of both ends of the joint are the joint connection sections.

[0008] The SFE-Concept software is used to construct transition sections at both ends of the joint. The portion between the joint connection section and the transition section at each end of the joint is the transition section, and the portion between the transition sections at both ends of the joint is the main body.

[0009] The connection surface within the transition section is adjusted using the manual surface patching mode of the SFE-Concept software, based on the beam connection cross-section of the beam used to connect with the joint.

[0010] Furthermore, the length of the transition portion is 40mm to 60mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the joint connection section at each end of the joint is parallel to the transition section.

[0012] Furthermore, transition sections are constructed at both ends of the joint using the SFE-Concept software, including:

[0013] Copy the joint connection section, define the copied joint connection section as the transition section, then set the transition section on the joint, and adjust the size of the transition section according to the principle of smooth structural transition.

[0014] Furthermore, the copying of the joint connection section defines the copied joint connection section as the transition section, and then the transition section is set on the joint. The dimensions of the transition section are then adjusted according to the principle of smooth structural transition, including:

[0015] The joint connection section can be quickly located using the Local Section of the SFE-Concept software. Click the Modify option of the SFE-Concept software to enter the Modify Base Section interface of the Modify option, copy the joint connection section and save it as the transition section.

[0016] Using the JOINT module of the SFE-Concept software, the transition section is added to the joint, and then the specific position of the transition section on the joint is adjusted.

[0017] The transition section can be quickly located using the INFO option in the JOINT section. Based on the principle of smooth structural transition, the size of the joint connection section can be adjusted using the coordinates of the Node points in the Modify Base Section interface.

[0018] Furthermore, adjusting the connecting surfaces within the transition section using the manual surface patching mode of the SFE-Concept software includes:

[0019] Establish connecting lines between corresponding points on the joint connection section and the transition section to form a closed frame. Then select and confirm the closed frame to generate a filled surface.

[0020] Furthermore, the step of establishing connecting lines between corresponding points on the joint connection section and the transition section to form a closed frame, and then selecting and confirming the closed frame to generate a filled surface, includes:

[0021] Using the JOINT module of the SFE-Concept software, and employing the Create / ModifyLines function of the JOINT module, a connection line is created between the corresponding points of the joint connection section and the transition section.

[0022] Using the Single Surface function of the JOINT module, locate the joint, then select all the boundary lines of the closed frame, and after confirmation, the fill surface is generated.

[0023] Furthermore, the method also includes:

[0024] Before constructing the surfaces within the transition section using the manual surface patching mode of the SFE-Concept software, the dimensions of the main body are adjusted using the SFE-Concept software so that the dimensions of the joint and the beam are in the same proportion.

[0025] Furthermore, adjusting the size of the main body using the SFE-Concept software includes:

[0026] The transition section can be quickly located using the Local Section of the SFE-Concept software. Clicking the Modify option in the SFE-Concept software will take you to the Modify Base Section interface. By adjusting the coordinates of the Node points in the Modify Base Section interface, the size of the transition section can be automatically updated.

[0027] On the other hand, this application also provides a modular connector, characterized in that the connector is constructed by the above-described modular connector construction method based on SFE-Concept software.

[0028] The embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0029] This application provides a method for constructing modular joints based on SFE-Concept software. By setting transition sections at both ends of the joint, the transition sections are kept parametrically isolated from the main body of the joint. Thus, when importing different parametric models of vehicle body concepts into SFE-Concept software, only the transition sections of the joint need to be modified and adjusted. The time required to adjust the transition sections is much less than the time required to adjust the joint itself or rebuild the joint model. This enables the construction of universal modular joints in SFE-Concept software and improves the efficiency of building vehicle body models in SFE-Concept software. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for constructing a modular connector based on SFE-Concept software according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the modular connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 100 - Connector; 110 - Main body; 120 - Transition section; 130 - Connector section; 140 - Transition section. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] Furthermore, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples in this application. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity purposes and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, this application provides examples of various specific processes and materials; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0037] This application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 This application proposes a method for constructing modular connectors based on SFE-Concept software, combined with... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The method includes the following steps:

[0039] S1: A model of connector 100 is created using SFE-Concept software. The end faces of both ends of connector 100 are the connector connection sections 130.

[0040] Based on the relevant parameters of joint 100, a model of joint 100 is built in the SFE-Concept software. The joint connection sections 130 at both ends of joint 100 are used to connect with the beam connection sections of beams. The joint connection sections 130 of joint 100 and the beam connection sections of beams are the same section, thus connecting different beams together through joint 100. However, importing different parametric models of the vehicle body concept into the SFE-Concept software will cause the coding numbers of the joint connection sections 130 of joint 100 and the beam connection sections of beams to be inconsistent. As a result, after joint 100 is connected to the beam, the connection surfaces inside joint 100 become chaotic. If joint 100 is modified and adjusted, the time required is no less than rebuilding a model of joint 100 in the SFE-Concept software. Therefore, the model of joint 100 built in the SFE-Concept software at this time is not universal.

[0041] S2: Using SFE-Concept software, transition sections 140 are constructed at both ends of the connector 100. The part between the connector connection section 130 and the transition section 140 at each end of the connector 100 is the transition part 120, and the part between the transition parts 120 at both ends of the connector 100 is the main body 110.

[0042] Using SFE-Concept software, transition sections 140 are constructed at both ends of the connector 100 to separate the two ends of the connector 100. The parameters between the main body 110 and the transition portion 120 of the connector 100 do not affect each other, so that parameter isolation is achieved between the main body 110 and the transition portion 120 of the connector 100. The connection between the main body 110 and the transition portion 120 of the connector 100 is achieved through the transition section 140.

[0043] S3: Adjust the connection surface within the transition section 120 using the manual surface patching mode of the SFE-Concept software, based on the beam connection section of the beam used to connect with the joint 100.

[0044] In the SFE-Concept software, the connector 100, whose joint connection section 130 has a different code number than the beam connection section code number, is connected to the beam. The joint connection section 130 of the connector 100 and the beam connection section are the same section. To avoid adjusting or rebuilding the model of the connector 100, only the transition section 120 needs adjustment. Based on the joint connection section 130 (beam connection section) on the transition section 120, the connections within the entire transition section 120 are adjusted accordingly. The joint surface is used to connect the joint connection section 130 of the transition section 120 to the connection surface 140 of the transition surface. The adjustment of the transition section 120 requires the manual surface patching mode of the SFE-Concept software to ensure that the transition section 120 of the joint 100 and the main body 110 of the joint 100 always maintain parameter isolation. If the automatic connection mode of the SFE-Concept software is used, it is not possible to ensure that the transition section 120 of the joint 100 and the main body 110 of the joint 100 maintain parameter isolation.

[0045] In summary, by setting transition portions 120 at both ends of the connector 100, parameter isolation is maintained between the transition portions 120 and the main body 110 of the connector 100. Thus, when importing different parametric models of the vehicle body concept into the SFE-Concept software, only the transition portions 120 of the connector 100 need to be modified. The time required to adjust the transition portions 120 of the connector 100 is much less than the time required to adjust the connector 100 or rebuild the model of the connector 100. This enables the construction of a universal modular connector in the SFE-Concept software and improves the efficiency of building vehicle body models in the SFE-Concept software.

[0046] In this embodiment, the length of the transition portion 120 of the connector 100 is 40mm to 60mm, that is, the distance between the connector connection section 130 and the transition section 140 of the transition portion 120 of each connector 100 is 40mm to 60mm, so as to ensure a smooth transition connection of the transition portion 120 of the connector 100 and the adjustment time of the transition portion 120 of the connector 100. If the length of the transition portion 120 of the connector 100 is too short, a smooth transition connection of the transition portion 120 of the connector 100 cannot be guaranteed; if the length of the transition portion 120 of the connector 100 is too long, the adjustment time of the transition portion 120 of the connector 100 will be too long.

[0047] In this embodiment of the application, the connector connection section 130 at each end of the connector 100 is parallel to the transition section 140, so as to facilitate operation in the SFE-Concept software.

[0048] In this embodiment of the application, the construction of the transition section 140 in step S2 includes copying the connector connection section 130. The copying connector connection section 130 is defined as the transition section 140. Then, the size of the transition section 140 is adjusted according to the principle of smooth structural transition. The transition section 140 is then set on the connector 100 to realize the setting of the transition section 140 and make the size of the transition section 140 consistent with that of the connector 100.

[0049] Specifically, in the SFE-Concept software, the connector connection section 130 is quickly located using the Local Section module. Then, the Modify option in the SFE-Concept software is clicked to enter the ModifyBase Section interface. The connector connection section 130 is copied and saved as a transition section 140. Using the JOINT module in the SFE-Concept software, the transition section 140 is added to the connector 100. The specific position of the transition section 140 on the connector 100 is then adjusted. The transition section 140 is quickly located using the INFO option in the JOINT module. Based on the principle of smooth structural transition, the dimensions of the connector connection section 130 are adjusted using the coordinates of the Node points in the Modify Base Section interface.

[0050] In this embodiment of the application, the manual surface patching mode of step S3 includes establishing a connecting line between corresponding points on the joint connection section 130 and the transition section 140 to form a closed frame, and then selecting and confirming the closed frame to generate a fill surface, thereby modifying and adjusting the transition section 120 through the manual surface patching mode.

[0051] Specifically, in the SFE-Concept software, the JOINT module is used to create connection lines between corresponding points on the joint connection section 130 and the transition section 140 using the Create / Modify Lines function. The Single Surface function of the JOINT module is used to locate the joint 100, and then all boundary lines of the closed frame are selected. After confirmation, the fill surface is generated.

[0052] In this embodiment of the application, the method for constructing a modular joint based on SFE-Concept software further includes adjusting the size of the joint 100 using SFE-Concept software between steps S2 and S3, so that the size ratio of the joint 100 to the beam is the same. Since the size ratio of some beams may not match that of the joint 100, the joint 100 and the beam will not match in size after connection.

[0053] Specifically, in the SFE-Concept software, the transition section 140 can be quickly located through the Local Section section. Clicking the Modify option in the SFE-Concept software will take you to the ModifyBase Section interface. By adjusting the coordinates of the Node points in the Modify Base Section interface, the size of the transition section 140 will be automatically updated.

[0054] Of course, the SFE-Concept software can also rapidly scale the model's dimensions. By scaling the main body 110 of the connector 100 proportionally using SFE-Concept software, the structural dimensions of the main body 110 of the connector 100 can be made consistent with those of the beam. This embodiment does not limit this approach. Proportional scaling is suitable for situations where the connector 100 and the beam have a high degree of matching. Compared to adjusting the dimensions of the transition section 140 to automatically update the dimensions of the main body 110, proportional scaling is more efficient. When the matching degree between the connector 100 and the beam is low, adjusting the dimensions of the transition section 140 is more suitable for adjusting the dimensions of the main body 110 of the connector 100.

[0055] Furthermore, this application also proposes a modular joint, which is constructed using the aforementioned modular joint construction method based on SFE-Concept software, to form a modular joint library within the SFE-Concept software. In other words, after modeling different types of joints 100 in the SFE-Concept software, it is no longer necessary to adjust or recreate the joint 100 model due to inconsistencies in the coding numbers of the beam connection section and the joint connection section 130 of the joint 100, or inconsistencies in the size ratio between the beam and the joint 100, thus saving considerable time. Instead, one only needs to select the joint 100 corresponding to the beam from the modular joint library and adjust the size of the joint 100 and the transition portion 120 accordingly, shortening the time required to build the vehicle body model within the SFE-Concept software.

[0056] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0057] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0058] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0061] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0062] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0063] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for constructing modular connectors based on SFE-Concept software, characterized in that, The method includes: A model of the joint is created using SFE-Concept software, and the end faces of both ends of the joint are the joint connection sections. The SFE-Concept software is used to construct transition sections at both ends of the joint. The portion between the joint connection section and the transition section at each end of the joint is the transition section, and the portion between the transition sections at both ends of the joint is the main body. Based on the beam connection section of the beam used to connect with the joint, the connection surface in the transition section is adjusted using the manual surface patching mode of the SFE-Concept software to ensure that the transition section of the joint and the main body are always parametrically isolated.

2. The method of constructing a modular joint based on SFE-Concept software according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the transition section is 40mm~60mm.

3. The method of constructing a modular joint based on SFE-Concept software of claim 1, wherein, The joint connection section at each end of the joint is parallel to the transition section.

4. The method for constructing modular connectors based on SFE-Concept software according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of constructing transition sections at both ends of the joint using the SFE-Concept software includes: Copy the joint connection section, define the copied joint connection section as the transition section, set the transition section on the joint, and then adjust the size of the transition section according to the principle of smooth structural transition.

5. The method of constructing a modular joint based on SFE-Concept software according to claim 4, characterized in that, The process involves copying the joint connection section, defining the copied joint connection section as the transition section, setting the transition section on the joint, and adjusting the dimensions of the transition section according to the principle of smooth structural transition, including: The joint connection section can be quickly located using the Local Section of the SFE-Concept software. Click the Modify option in the SFE-Concept software to enter the Modify Base Section interface. Click the SAVE as option in the Modify Base Section interface and save it as the transition section. Using the JOINT module of the SFE-Concept software, the transition section is added to the joint, and then the specific position of the transition section on the joint is adjusted. The transition section can be quickly located using the INFO option in the JOINT section. Based on the principle of smooth structural transition, the size of the joint connection section can be adjusted using the coordinates of the Node points in the Modify Base Section interface.

6. The method of constructing a modular joint based on SFE-Concept software of claim 1, wherein, The adjustment of the connecting surfaces within the transition section using the manual surface patching mode of the SFE-Concept software includes: Establish connecting lines between corresponding points on the joint connection section and the transition section to form a closed frame. Then select and confirm the closed frame to generate a filled surface.

7. The method for constructing modular connectors based on SFE-Concept software according to claim 6, characterized in that, The process involves establishing connecting lines between corresponding points on the joint connection section and the transition section to form a closed frame, and then selecting and confirming the closed frame to generate a filled surface, including: Using the JOINT module of the SFE-Concept software, and employing the Create / Modify Lines function of the JOINT module, a connection line is created between the corresponding points of the joint connection section and the transition section. Using the Single Surface function of the JOINT module, locate the joint, then select all the boundary lines of the closed frame, and after confirmation, the fill surface is generated.

8. The method of constructing a modular joint based on SFE-Concept software according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before constructing the surfaces within the transition section using the manual surface patching mode of the SFE-Concept software, the dimensions of the main body are adjusted using the SFE-Concept software to ensure that the dimensions of the joint are proportional to those of the beam.

9. The method of constructing a modular joint based on SFE-Concept software according to claim 8, characterized in that, The adjustment of the main body size using the SFE-Concept software includes: The transition section can be quickly located using the Local Section of the SFE-Concept software. Clicking the Modify option in the SFE-Concept software will take you to the Modify Base Section interface. By adjusting the coordinates of the Node points in the Modify Base Section interface, the size of the transition section can be automatically updated.

10. A modular joint, characterized by The connector is constructed by the method described in any one of claims 1-9.

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