Simulation Propels Preliminary Designs Toward an Overall Solution
The Problem:
A major automotive manufacturer faced a significant problem with the development of an effective lift assist device for seat installation. The physically demanding task was leading to inefficiencies, potential safety concerns, and increased production costs. The manufacturer recognized the need for a partner who was familiar with these challenges and could develop a solution within a shortened project timeframe.
How Invio Helped:
To address this challenge, Invio leveraged its modeling expertise and experience to develop a comprehensive simulation solution. This simulation accurately replicated the real-world conditions and challenges faced by technicians during seat installation. The simulation incorporated programmable kinematics and collision detection which allowed for iterative testing and optimization of various lift assist device designs within a virtual environment.
Results:
The simulation-driven concept led to five major outcomes:
Cost Savings: By reducing the need for extensive physical prototypes and testing, the automotive manufacturer realized substantial cost savings.
Efficiency Gains: The lift assist device's design was optimized for maximum efficiency, resulting in smoother seat installation processes and improved overall production line performance.
Enhanced Safety: The simulation enabled the identification and mitigation of potential safety hazards, leading to a safer working environment for technicians.
Faster Development: The ability to rapidly iterate through design variations in the simulation significantly expedited the overall development timeline.
Data-Informed Decision-Making: The simulation generated valuable data and insights, empowering the manufacturer’s engineering team to make informed decisions throughout the development process.