Refine Your Search

Search Results

Viewing 1 to 3 of 3
Technical Paper

Past, Present and Future Vehicle Architecture

1995-12-01
952791
Numerous vehicle architectures have been developed and produced in North America, Europe and Asia during the past 100 years of the automobile industry. A brief historical review of the major types of vehicle architecture is presented. Next, several current vehicle types and unique prototype vehicles will be reviewed. The human, social, economical and environmental factors that affect vehicle design on a global basis will be discussed. Based upon these factors, a projection of future vehicle architectures is presented highlighting new processes and materials to be used to meet future needs.
Technical Paper

Reduction of Vehicle Leadtime

1996-10-01
962398
One of the major steps that can be taken to reduce vehicle leadtime is optimal body engineering. To understand this process, a short history of vehicle body development will be presented plus examples of three active programs that highlight the use of aluminum, plastics and steel concentrating on weight and cost reduction. In addition, two areas of potential design and development leadtime reduction will be investigated. First, the potential of drastically reducing the “concept” decision leadtime…this can be done with the aid of a new computer program. Secondly, the need for excellent communication between the car companies, their contract design services and the “blackbox/graybox” suppliers.
Technical Paper

Reduction of Vehicle Leadtime by Body Engineering

1997-02-24
970578
Automotive Body Engineering has been one of the most important disciplines in automotive engineering during the past 100 years. A brief historical review will take place highlighting the major automotive trends which have challenged the expertise of the body engineer, including the major contributions of the body engineering profession that brought comfort, convenience and safety to the modern automobile. Finally, the current challenges to body engineering will be discussed. These include the need to drastically reduce program leadtime and control both engineering and product costs. The two areas in which the above stated challenges can be met are as follows: First, the technologies and materials being applied to new vehicle bodies will be discussed. Highlighted, will be the effect upon cost and leadtime reduction. Secondly, the component design process will no longer start with a clean sheet for a new design.
X