Shape Optimization Device Using Element Contribution Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer-aided engineering (CAE) optimization techniques, such as parameter optimization and topology optimization, face challenges in efficiently optimizing the shape of products due to limited search ranges and high calculation costs, leading to insufficient optimization and prolonged processing times.

Innovation Solution

An optimization device that optimizes the shape of an object by using an objective function equation based on the contribution to a predetermined characteristic of each element, determining whether to arrange each element in the design region, thereby reducing the number of CAE analyses and improving optimization efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If parameter optimization is used to optimize product shape, then the optimization process is simple, but the searchable shape range is limited and sufficient optimization cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization process complexityVSAvoidsearchable shape range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the design region into multiple elements and represents the product shape by arranging or removing these elements. This segmentation allows the shape to be defined by discrete element configurations rather than continuous parameters, enabling a wider searchable shape range while maintaining computational simplicity through binary arrangement decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If parameter optimization is used to optimize product shape, then the method is easy to implement, but a large number of CAE analyses are needed resulting in high calculation cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation easeVSAvoidcalculation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs CAE analysis only on representative element arrangements rather than exhaustively analyzing all possible parameter combinations. By selecting key element configurations that capture the essential shape variations, the method reduces the number of required CAE analyses while still achieving sufficient optimization coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If topology optimization is used to optimize product shape, then the searchable shape range increases, but a large number of CAE analyses are needed resulting in high calculation cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearchable shape rangeVSAvoidcalculation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the design into discrete elements with binary arrangement states, the patent transforms the continuous topology optimization problem into a discrete element arrangement problem. This segmentation enables wider shape search capability while reducing calculation cost by evaluating only the arrangement configurations rather than continuous material distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If continuous topology optimization is used to optimize product shape, then the shape can be optimized with high degree of freedom, but the searchable shape range is limited to local solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape optimization freedomVSAvoidglobal optimization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using continuous values to represent shape and performing differential search, the patent inverts the approach by using discrete binary arrangements of elements to represent shape. This inversion allows the search to jump between different shape configurations without being constrained by local gradients, thereby improving the ability to find global optima while maintaining shape optimization freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

5Adaptability or versatility

If discrete topology optimization is used to optimize product shape, then the searchable shape range is wide, but an enormous number of CAE analyses are needed resulting in very high calculation cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearchable shape rangeVSAvoidcalculation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing CAE analysis only on a selected subset of element arrangement configurations rather than exhaustively analyzing all possible discrete combinations. This selective analysis approach maintains the wide searchable shape range advantage of discrete topology optimization while significantly reducing the calculation cost by focusing computational resources on representative configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3989085A1Optimization device, optimization method, and optimization program

Publication Date: 2022.04.27 FUJITSU LTD

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AI summary

An optimization device of optimizing a shape of an object, the optimization device being configured to perform an optimization processing, the optimization processing including: obtaining an objective function equation based on a contribution to a predetermined characteristic of the object in each element of a plurality of elements, each of the plurality of elements being an element obtained by dividing the object arranged in a design region; and optimizing the shape of the object by determining, for the each element of the object, whether to arrange the each element of the object based on the obtained objective function equation.