Future trends in component design Online publication date: Sun, 25-May-2014
by P. Watson, S.J. Hill
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 5, No. 3, 1984
Abstract: Component design methods have changed radically in recent years. This is due to a complex mixture of economic factors, pressure from competing technologies and the availability of new design approaches using computers. This paper describes why and how one component supplier is using and developing modern design evaluation methods. Particular emphasis is concentrated on designing components against their true service requirements, using a 'fitness for purpose' approach. A case study of recent work on the development of cheaper, lighter forged steel connecting rods is given to illustrate the power of modern design techniques. The paper looks to the future, identifying a trend towards closer co-operation in design between vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers, to use limited resources most effectively. The development of the current design techniques to exploit synergies between adjacent components - the 'systems' approach - is also considered. The paper also considers that future component design is likely to be much more rationalised than in the past, with effort being applied effectively.
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