RAPTOR (Rapid tool for optimized real time concept evaluation) : A development tool for early investigations of concepts

Abstract: Early concept generation is the base for the final products appearance. Since most of the products character and cost is set at an early stage increased knowledge at an early stage is vital. This master thesis aims at creating a method called RAPTOR. The purpose of RAPTOR is to reduce the cost and increase the knowledge by combining CAD and optimization with an easy excel interface. For illustrative purpose an electric motor example has been used. The master thesis has been demonstrated at GM power train, Trollhättan Sweden, and a considerable interest was shown. The inspiration comes from the GlobaLiTH project, a project at the machine design department at Linköping University, Sweden, where a sustainable light utility vehicle was designed.