Vehicle Component Layout Optimization via Iterative Pathfinding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for arranging vehicle components in a computer-aided environment or physical mock-ups are resource-intensive and inefficient, lacking an effective way to optimize the layout of components within a vehicle workspace to minimize connection lengths and weights while considering various cost factors.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a computer-implemented process to receive and optimize the layout of vehicle components within a workspace by iteratively moving and rotating components using a pathfinding algorithm, applying cost factors, and updating a workspace matrix to determine the most efficient routing of connections, which includes using a processor and memory to execute instructions for optimizing the component layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional manual or physical mock-up methods are used to arrange vehicle components, then engineers can directly visualize and adjust layouts, but the process becomes resource-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent arrangement processVSAvoidlayout optimization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment methods with an automated computer-based optimization system that uses algorithms to calculate and determine optimal component layouts, eliminating the need for physical mock-ups and manual iteration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optimization system automatically performs layout calculations and adjustments without requiring continuous human intervention, allowing the computer to self-optimize the component arrangement based on predefined cost factors and constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Weight of stationary object

If component layouts are optimized to minimize connection lengths, then the weight and cost of connections decrease, but the complexity of the optimization process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection weightVSAvoidoptimization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes layout by changing the positional parameters of components within the workspace, adjusting their locations to minimize connection lengths while satisfying spatial and functional constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computer-based optimization system as an intermediary between design requirements and final layout, using algorithms to mediate the complex calculations of optimal component placement and connection routing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple cost factors are considered in the optimization, then the overall design quality improves, but the computational resources required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout optimization qualityVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies optimization iteratively, performing multiple passes with varying levels of detail and computational effort, allowing engineers to balance solution quality against available computing resources by adjusting the number and depth of optimization iterations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11487914B2Component layout optimization

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A system and a method are described for laying out components in a vehicle workspace. The method may comprise: receiving, as input, a plurality of components for a vehicle workspace; determining an optimization of a routing of a plurality of connections, each of which connect to at least one of the plurality of components; and providing an output indicative of the routing within the vehicle workspace.