Automated BIW Modelling from Limited Inputs Without CAD Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of body-in-white (BIW) structures in computer-aided-engineering (CAE) models leads to increased time and expertise requirements for engineers to create and modify these models, especially when CAD data is not available.

Innovation Solution

An automated modelling system that uses limited user inputs to create, adjust, and parameterize concept CAE models of BIW structures, including members, braces, and joints, without requiring pre-existing CAD data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated modelling system is used to create BIW models, then time and expertise requirements are reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel creation speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic mesh generation, element creation, and model assembly without requiring manual intervention for each component. The computer system autonomously processes geometric data, generates finite element models, and adjusts parameters based on predefined algorithms, enabling self-service modeling that reduces both time and expertise requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures modeling templates, geometric parameters, and mesh generation algorithms before actual model creation. By establishing predefined workflows and parameter sets in advance, the system eliminates the need for engineers to manually configure complex settings during each modeling task, thereby reducing both time consumption and required expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If finite element models are generated without CAD data, then design flexibility is improved, but the process complexity and time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmodeling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modeling process is divided into distinct modular stages: geometric parameter definition, mesh generation, element creation, and model assembly. Each stage can be independently configured and executed, allowing the system to generate finite element models from simplified geometric descriptions without requiring complete CAD data, thereby enabling design flexibility while managing process complexity through modularization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediate geometric representation layer between the simplified input parameters and the final finite element model. This intermediary stage uses parametric geometry definitions that can be derived from limited inputs, serving as a bridge that enables model generation without direct CAD data while maintaining manageable process complexity through automated transformation algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If more training is provided to engineers, then model creation quality is improved, but the time and cost investment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel creation qualityVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates built-in validation, error checking, and automatic parameter adjustment capabilities that guide users through the modeling process without requiring extensive expert knowledge. The software self-corrects common errors and enforces best practices through automated workflows, enabling engineers to create high-quality models with minimal training while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback during the modeling process, including validation of input parameters, warnings about potential errors, and suggestions for optimization. This continuous feedback mechanism guides less experienced engineers through complex modeling tasks, ensuring high model creation quality without requiring extensive prior training by immediately correcting and guiding user actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12346637B2Automated modelling system
Publication Date: 2025.07.01 DETROIT ENGINEERED PRODUCTS INC
  • US12346637B2 patent drawing
  • US12346637B2 patent drawing
  • US12346637B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automated modelling system for automatically and quickly creating computer-aided-engineering model of body in white structures such as members, braces, and joints based on limited inputs from a user. The automated modelling system generally includes a computer system which receives various inputs from the user, including but not limited to trajectories, axis along height, any base components, height, width, angle, size, radius, thickness, and the like. Using these inputs, the computer system will automatically create the desired elements, such as members, braces, or joints, based on user inputs. The computer system may also adjust existing elements, mesh elements, and parameterize elements based on user inputs received via an interface displayed on the computer system.