Integrated Driveline Modeling for Early Multi-Criteria Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of drivelines is complex and time-consuming due to the need for various analytical methods and models, leading to inaccurate predictions and poor integration of CAD and CAE tools, which results in sub-optimal product performance and increased costs from iterative re-work.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided engineering system that integrates data input, user-interface, recognition, and analysis modules to create a unified model for driveline design, allowing for simultaneous analysis of multiple performance criteria and automatic mesh generation, reducing the need for multiple software packages and improving data transfer between CAD and CAE tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate CAE packages are used for different failure modes, then each analysis can be specialized, but the overall design process becomes complex and time-consuming with poor data integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate CAE analysis packages into a single integrated system that can perform different types of analysis (strength, stiffness, fatigue, etc.) on driveline components. The system unifies the user interface, data management, and analysis engines into one platform, eliminating the need to switch between multiple applications while maintaining specialized analysis capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides a universal platform that can perform multiple types of engineering analyses through a single interface. It supports various failure mode assessments (strength, stiffness, fatigue, stress concentration) and can handle different component types (shafts, gears, bearings, housings) within one application, making it multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual data transfer between CAD and CAE tools is used, then flexibility is maintained, but data transfer accuracy decreases and iterative re-work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary between CAD and CAE workflows, providing automated data exchange capabilities. It can import geometry and material data from CAD systems and automatically prepare and export analysis results, eliminating manual data transfer while maintaining design flexibility through parametric modeling and automated updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data preparation and validation automatically during the modeling phase. It pre-processes geometry, assigns material properties, and validates input data before analysis, reducing errors that would otherwise require manual correction and iterative re-work in later stages.
3Measurement precision
If detailed analysis is performed early in the design process, then accurate predictions are achieved, but computational cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial analysis approaches where appropriate, performing detailed analysis only on critical components or regions while using simplified methods for less critical areas. It can automatically identify stress concentration zones and apply refined meshing or specialized analysis techniques only where needed, rather than uniformly detailed analysis across the entire model.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the driveline system into distinct components (shafts, gears, bearings, housings) and allows selective analysis of individual components or assemblies. This enables focused detailed analysis on critical components while using faster simplified methods for other parts, reducing overall computational time while maintaining accuracy where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system is disclosed for producing a design for a rotating machine assembly. It comprises a data module (10) configured for receiving data relating to one or more components of the rotating machine assembly; a user interface module (20 configured for specifying data to be received by the data module and for receiving from a user a type of analysis to be performed on the data; and an analysis module (30) configured for analysing a performance of the rotating machine assembly according to the type of analysis selected and selected features of the data to be used. It further includes a recognition module (40) configured for identifying and selected features of the data be used for the analysis according to the type of analysis selected. It provides an approach for managing and coordinating the data in the design of driveline systems so that the most accurate and informative insight on the driveline's performance is delivered to the engineer at the earliest possible point in the design process, hence product design and optimisation can be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible. More aspects of product performance are coordinated together and the engineering insight is greater, hence the methodology becomes a platform for making engineering decisions rather than mathematical simulation.