Design parameterization and tool integration for CAD-based mechanism optimization

This paper presents an open and integrated tool environment that enables engineers to effectively search, in a CAD solid model form, for a mechanism design with optimal kinematic and dynamic performance. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of such an environment, design parameterization that supports capturing design intents in product solid models must be available, and advanced modeling, simulation, and optimization technologies implemented in engineering software tools must be incorporated. In this paper, the design parameterization capabilities developed previously have been applied to support design optimization of engineering products, including a High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). In the proposed environment, Pro/ENGINEER and SolidWorks are supported for product model representation, DADS (Dynamic Analysis and Design System) is employed for dynamic simulation of mechanical systems including ground vehicles, and DOT (Design Optimization Tool) is included for a batch mode design optimization. In addition to the commercial tools, a number of software modules have been implemented to support the integration; e.g., interface modules for data retrieval, and model update modules for updating CAD and simulation models in accordance with design changes. Note that in this research, the overall finite difference method has been adopted to support design sensitivity analysis.