Autobody taillight assembly modeling and fitting variation sensitivity analysis

Abstract

Autobody panel fitting is an efficient way to improve dimensional quality and to give a better impression to the consumers. Taillight fitting is a challenge and time-consuming problem in the automotive industry. The purpose of this research is to develop a modeling and optimization method for efficiently assembling the taillights with attracting appearance and shape. The taillight assembly model is constructed with finite elements to depict the assembly process of the taillight. The validity of the finite element simulation model is proved by the consistence between the pressures obtained from the finite element simulation results and the pressure-sensitive paper. A linear approximation model for assembly variation sensitivity analysis is proposed to optimize the taillight shape. The results of this research will enhance the understanding of the optimal fitting of automotive taillight and help systematically improving the taillight design-for-assembly efficiency.