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2006
Conference Paper
Titel
Intelligent Prototypes: Innovative technology for actively influencing component features in product development
Alternative
Intelligente Prototypen: Innovative Technologie zur aktiven Beeinflussung von Bauteileigenschaften in der Produktentwicklung
Abstract
To speed up product development and increase cost effectiveness, the automotive and mechanical engineering industries are demanding solutions in earlier and earlier phases, which have a sustainable effect on the target parameters of functionality, safety, convenience and cost. In particular, the combination of generative rapid prototyping technologies (LLM, SLS) and their subsequent processes (vacuum and investment casting) with active materials such as piezoelectric or piezostrictive materials is opening completely new prospects for meeting these complex demands. Sensor functions integrated in their structure enable intelligent components to detect, analyze and subsequently actively regulate changes in ambient conditions such as pressure and temperature distribution or oscillations and deformations. The project presented here is testing this novel technology for use in vehicle development (actively influencing parameters of fluid mechanics such as drag, lift and negative lift) and for qualifying high-precision machining technologies in the optics industry (e.g. grinding, lapping). Aerofoil profiles for race cars (Formula 3) and precision machining of optical functional surfaces (lenses) are being used as examples of prototype implementation. The related manufacturing concept for integrating the requisite sensor and actor functions in the generatively produced components and assemblies is being developed for this. The integration of sensor components in rapid prototyping processes makes it possible to provide functional components quickly. By optimizing the structure at an early stage, a prototype can already be produced with a design identical to mass production and prototypes can simultaneously be endowed with multifunctionality.