CAD-model-based Optimal Design of Slide-hinge Spring

Abstract

This research proposes the methodology of using the 3D CAD model of a slide-hinge spring as the basis to analyse the stresses and reaction forces, and implementing Taguchi method to find the optimal parameters of the spring. Firstly, 3D meshes are generated out of the 3D CAD model. In accordance to the mechanism characteristics of the slide hinge, primary data for engineering analysis are determined, including mesh properties, material properties, boundary conditions, contact definitions, and iterative procedure. MARC, a well-known CAE software, is then used to find von Mises stresses and reaction forces of the spring during its movement in a slide hinge. In order to prevent plastic deformation and damage of the spring, the Taguchi method is adopted in this paper to reduce the maximum stress during spring movement. All details of optimizing the dimensional parameters of the spring will be discussed in the paper, including the determination of control factors and their levels, setup of orthogonal arrays, calculation of S/N ratios, completion of variation analysis, and estimation of confidence intervals.

Keywords:

• CAD
• CAE
• optimal design