Evaluation of Functional Performance of Mechanism Using Multi Body Dynamics Simulation

The functional performance of the mechanism plays a vital role in attracting customer concentration towards the product. It is the first interface for interaction with the customer. Hence it is important to evaluate the functional performance at the time of the design phase itself in order to eliminate the possibility of an increase in proto-builds. The functional performance of a mechanism comprises parameters like, a mechanism should perform its function for which it is designed, with minimum effort required and ease in functionality.

Evaluation of such parameters at the design stage involves many assumptions and this brings chance variables in the methodology. In order to eliminate these assumptions, a methodology has been developed using the multi-body dynamics (MBD) model of mechanisms like gear shifting mechanism and cabin door outer handle mechanism. The effort and displacement required to drive the mechanism were evaluated and a correlation of about 90% with the practical testing results was obtained. The same methodology was utilized to quickly optimize the existing design and reduce the effort and displacement required to drive the mechanism through the virtual model itself.