Virtual Prototyping Platform for Designing Mechanical and Mechatronic Systems

Abstract

The chapter deals with the description of a virtual prototyping platform that facilitates the design process of the mechanical and mechatronic systems. The virtual prototyping stages are defined and then integrated in a block diagram, highlighting how the data are transferred between these stages in order to finally obtain a valid and optimal virtual model, close (as structure and functionality) to the real one. The whole process is guided by the basic principle for successful virtual prototyping: as complicated as necessary and as simple as possible. The real modeling case, the specific simplifying assumptions, and the validity (viability) fields of the simplifying assumptions are discussed with reference to the main components of a mechanical or mechatronic system (bodies, connections between bodies, actuating elements). The purpose is to manipulate the simplifying assumptions in a way that reduces the complexity of the virtual model, but without altering the accuracy of the results. The basic types of analysis/simulation are depicted by considering their particularities, highlighting their role in the process of designing mechanical/mechatronic systems, and then the optimization is conducted by the use of parametric design tools. Finally, a case study is developed following those mentioned above.

Simulation and Optimization of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Mechanism

“…At the same time, the increasingly frequent use of modeling, simulation, and optimization tools in a virtual environment is noted. The detailed presentation of a software platform for virtual prototyping is carried out in [54], and several representative applications in the design process of mechanical/mechatronic systems from various fields (such as renewable energy systems and automotive engineering) are rendered in [4,34,[55][56][57][58] precisely with the idea of showing the important advantages that the use of such powerful and effective testing instruments bring.…”

Dynamic Optimization of the Controller for the Active Suspension System of a Race Car

“…The study is carried out through the use of a virtual prototyping platform, by integrating the MBS (Multi-Body Systems) mechanical model (developed in ADAMS) and the DFC (Design for Control) actuation system (conceived in EASY5). Important advantages are obtained by such an approach in mechatronic concept, as stated in [17][18][19].…”

Real-Time Structural Analysis Based on Machine Learning for Custom Product Design: A Case Study of Orthopedic Fixator Product

“…This article helps verify specific products at competitive costs, in a relatively shorter time, and practice using technology that is very popular today, namely Machine Learning (ML). The complexity and large number of parameters for modelling a particular product are common problems in the world of manufacturing [7]. The criteria that the customer wants, low cost, spare parts, basic materials are used as calculation material to determine product prices.…”