The impact of using CAE simulations in the development of vehicular illumination systems 2007-01-2694

The vehicular illumination system has had, in the past decades, huge technological advances such as the use of CAE simulations as a differential in the development of new products. We would like to reinforce the importance of simulations in choosing the material for the headlight inner moldings due to its geometry and proximity to lamps. Also, CAE simulations assist in determining the appropriate beam pattern for the headlamps. It reduces time and costs during the prototype phase. This, among other examples, clearly displays that the constant technological evolution brings forth a serious debate to be had between Vehicle Engineering, Body Engineering and Design Studio in order to best evaluate performance, appearance and cost attributes for any given product.

Through this tool, it is possible to evaluate the impact of the design developed by the Product Creation Design Studio and actually verify, within the vehicle's design proposal, if the project is truly compatible with the component's final performance target. This tool, when properly used, is able to determine which is the best material option (PC, PBT, PA, PEI, amongst others), in order to supply all of the requisites for the component functionality. The technological evolution shows once more that for this particular case, using CAE simulations, we are able to reduce the development time and increase the reliability of the component, while reducing the construction of physical prototypes in this initial development.