Abstract
Keywords - development process, concept phase, 3D-CAD, design methods, virtual engineering
Time- and cost efficient development processes in the automotive industry are often based on the application of modern IT-supported engineering tools. Computer aided three-dimensional design and calculation methods are widespread and well introduced in component development and digital mock-up processes, following conventional development strategies in principle (1).
The present publication includes an application of integrated 3D-CAD design for early automotive development processes. A basis for enhanced design methods states the parametric generation of automotive body components and assembled configurations. As an improvement of parametric model structures, the integration of external databases in 3D-CAD development processes can support the work of design engineers. In this way, the design process itself is performed in a current 3D-CAD system, which is linked to external data storage. These databases include geometrical information as well as ergonomic data, safety relevant information, requirements concerning legislation boundaries and others. The key for an efficient interaction between CAD design processes and the management of CAD - external data is a smart linking of both systems. Modern 3D-CAD software packages as well as modern data maintenance systems offer various possibilities to optimize the interaction between both worlds, supporting the automatic generation and optimization of automotive components in virtual development processes.
In this way, the present paper points to new strategies and methods in combination with network based data and information transfer, which are able to support a significant cost and time reduction in concept phases of automotive development processes.