Open Access

ARTICLE

Conceptual Modular Design of Auto Body Frame Based on Hybrid Optimization Method

Yonghong Zhao¹, Changsheng Wang², Huanquan Yuan¹, Yongcheng Li¹, Chunlai Shan², Wenbin Hou^{2, *}

1 Automotive Engineering Institute, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, 511434, China.
2 State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, School of Automotive Engineering, University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.

* Corresponding Author: Wenbin Hou. Email: .

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2020, 122(1), 351-376. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmes.2020.08058

Received 24 July 2019; Accepted 07 November 2019; Issue published 01 January 2020

Abstract

This article presents a systematic research methodology of modular design for conceptual auto body frame by hybrid optimization method. A modified graph-based decomposition optimization algorithm is utilized to generate an optimal BIW assembly topo model composed of “potential modules”. The consistency constraint function in collaborative optimization is extended to maximize the commonality of modules and minimize the performance loss of all car types in the same product family simultaneously. A novel screening method is employed to select both “basic structures” and “reinforcement” modules based on the dimension optimization of the manufacturing elements and the optimal assembly mode; this allows for a more exhaustive modular platform design in contrast with existing methods. The proposed methodology is applied to a case study for the modular design of three conceptual auto body types in the same platform to validate its feasibility and effectiveness.

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Keywords

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