Title: A direct method for optimising fuel filler door with leaf spring

Authors: Ching Hsieh

Addresses: Vehicle Synthesis, Analysis and Simulation Center, General Motors, North American Operations, 6440 E. 12 Mile Rd., MC 480-305-200, Warren, Michigan 48090, USA

Abstract: A direct method is developed to optimise a vehicle fuel filler door with leaf spring using optimality criteria. The design parameters include the door|s geometrical parameters and spring characteristics. The design requirements are that the finger force curve has to be flat, and it also has to meet the force targets at both closed and fully open positions. An example is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new method.

Keywords: fuel filler door; computer simulation; optimisation; robust design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2001.001909

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2001 Vol.25 No.1/2, pp.78-88

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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