A Structure Optimization for Hooklift Arm Device Based on the Genetic Algorithm

Based on the theory of FEM, the hooklift arm is modeled with the FEM software, and the structure of the device is optimized with genetic algorithm in a multi-objective/multi-parameter optimization environment, which results in an optimal design decision of the hooklift arm device under the engineering constraint. Comparison between optimized design decision and original design decision shows that the optimization is correct and the proposed multi-objective/multi-parameter optimization method is effective in improving the hooklift arm device.

Agent Based Variation Propagation for Collaborative Top-Down Assembly Design

The design of a complex mechanical product is usually a top-down process carried out by different teams or designers that are geographically distributed. A systematical variation propagation mechanism is very important to fully support such a design process. In this paper, based on the framework for collaborative top-down assembly design previously proposed by the authors, an agent based approach is presented for addressing variation propagation for collaborative top-down assembly design. The approach achieves variation propagation during the collaborative top-down assembly design through the interaction and cooperation of the agents located at the clients and server. To make the variation propagation automated and intelligent, four kinds of variation reasoning including hierarchical variation reasoning, engineering constraint variation reasoning, feature variation reasoning, and assembly constraint variation reasoning are identified, and the corresponding algorithms are developed and utilized. Meanwhile, a distributed assembly model is put forward to effectively support the design variation propagation for the collaborative top-down assembly design. The approach is implemented and a variation propagation example is given.

A Constraint Network Based System for Integrated Product Development

Integrated product development is the future of product development. Integrated product development is a process where both upstream (e.g., functional requirements, styling and cosmetic features, and packaging) and downstream (e.g., manufacturing considerations, testing, dunnage, and disposal) requirements of a product are handled concurrently with its geometry construction. In this research, the so-called ECHO (Engineering Constraint Handling and Optimization) system for integrated product development has been developed. A unique feature of this system is that it can explicitly represent and process both the upstream and downstream requirements. These requirements are represented in the form of constraint networks, rule networks, and assessment matrices. By solving for all of the feasible solutions, the ECHO system instructs the geometry construction, and thus ensures that both upstream and downstream requirements are reflected in the design. A case study for automotive piston development has been implemented to illustrate the capability and use of the ECHO system.

Rod Design: A Concept to Production Connecting Rod Design System

A Concept to Production Parametric Design Environment for connecting rod design is described. The system utilizes state of the art knowledge based engineering, constraint based reasoning, computer aided engineering (CAE), design (CAD), and manufacturing (CAM) technology to achieve 80% lead time reduction on prototype parts with similar lead time reductions possible on production parts.