Methodical approach for the design and dimensioning of mechanical clinched assemblies

Methodical approach for the design and dimensioning of mechanical clinched assemblies

Christoph Zirngibl, Sven Martin, Christian Steinfelder, Benjamin Schleich, Thomas Tröster, Alexander Brosius, Sandro Wartzack

Abstract. The focus towards multi-material and lightweight assemblies, driven by legal requirements on reducing emissions and energy consumptions, reveals important drawbacks and disadvantages of established joining processes, such as welding. In this context, mechanical joining technologies, such as clinching, are becoming more and more relevant especially in the automotive industry. However, the availability of only few standards and almost none systematic design methods causes a still very time- and cost-intensive assembly development process considering mainly expert knowledge and a considerable amount of experimental studies. Motivated by this, the presented work introduces a novel approach for the methodical design and dimensioning of mechanically clinched assemblies. Therefore, the utilization of regression models, such as machine learning algorithms, combined with manufacturing knowledge ensures a reliable estimation of individual clinched joint characteristics. In addition, the implementation of an engineering workbench enables the following data-driven and knowledge-based generation of high-quality initial assembly designs already in early product development phases. In a subsequent analysis and adjustment, these designs are being improved while guaranteeing joining safety and loading conformity. The presented results indicate that the methodological approach can pave the way to a more systematic design process of mechanical joining assemblies, which can significantly shorten the required number of iteration loops and therefore the product development time.

Keywords
Joining, Structural Analysis, Machine Learning

Published online 3/17/2023, 8 pages
Copyright © 2023 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: Christoph Zirngibl, Sven Martin, Christian Steinfelder, Benjamin Schleich, Thomas Tröster, Alexander Brosius, Sandro Wartzack, Methodical approach for the design and dimensioning of mechanical clinched assemblies, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 25, pp 179-186, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644902417-23

The article was published as article 23 of the book Sheet Metal 2023

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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