The objective of this project is to automate the process of generating a network path/route for different cables and components depending on the space available in a given area of the truck.
Sponsor
Volvo Group Trucks
Team Members
Carolina Biffe | Luisa Guimaraes Sachser Bonilha | Bridget Corso | Mrigank Doshy | Nahom Mekonnen Regassa | Vladimir Shluharchuk | Xiaoci Zhang | | | | |
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Project Summary
Overview
Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial engines as well as financing and services. Volvo uses design softwares like CREO: Parametric to route cables in their vehicles and use a 3D model to visualize the space available in the vehicle. However, engineers still have to manually select numerous reference points from the start and end point between which a cable needs to be routed. Connecting these points is based on the experience of the engineer and is very time consuming, as incorrectly selecting a point leaves the cable in unwanted positions. This leads to a reselection of points. Other factors that need to be accounted for are the physical parameters of the flexible, such as the diameter and bending radius. Since there are many possibilities and various paths a cable can be routed, it is infeasible to manually find the optimal path.
Objectives
The focus of the project is to automate the process of generating a network path/route for different cables and components depending on the space available in a given area of the truck. The goal is to generate a list of reference points that build the path(while keeping track of the different parameters and conditions such as thickness, bending radius etc). This reduces the repetitive and time consuming process currently employed hence avoiding a redesign in case of a slight change.
Approach
The team first established a connection between Python and CREO by developing a script to manipulate components in a given file. We then developed an interactive program in Python that reads the selected starting and ending points between which a cable needs to be routed. Using this information, the algorithm is able to calculate the space available around the components and set it as a constraint. Once we have all the required calculations, we export a list of reference points which can then be imported into CREO. A cable can be selected to join these points. This process allows the user to have less manual experience when routing the wires for each component in the vehicle, while also improving the time required to complete this previously manual task.
Outcomes
The team now has a suggestive and interactive interface that generates a list of reference points after considering all the space boundaries available. This list helps build a path along which the cable will be routed. It can be imported into CREO: Parametric and it enables Volvo to choose the optimal route network for its flexibles. The scope of the project in the near future is to consider the space available by including different obstacles that may lie along a potential path. The goal is to also use better path generating algorithms, such as some variants of the A* algorithm. It is also critical to ensure that all the work achieved on the educational version of CREO can be implemented on the Volvo system by working alongside Volvo IT and PTC Support to customize CREO for Volvo.