Chrysler 2010 Annual Report Download - page 55

REPORT ON
OPERATIONS
54
RESEARCH
AND INNOVATION
of innovative methodologies for the ergonomic analysis of work stations, with interesting applications for
motion capture instruments at manufacturing facilities. Simulations of logistics flows were also carried out
in addition to applications of Augmented Reality aimed at the integrated management of problems linked
to production lines, production line supply and work stations. Finally, new virtual analysis methodologies
for simulating manufacturing processes were developed and refined (simulation of the riveting process,
computer modeling of aesthetic defects for molded components, simulation of the cooling phase in the
injection molding process).
Vehicle research. During 2010, Elasis was involved in projects relating to the new Lancia Ypsilon, the new
Fiat Panda and Ferrari’s 599 GTO and 458 Spider.
In collaboration with FGA, Elasis worked on the new Lancia Ypsilon, contributing to development of the body,
trim, electrical and electronic systems, engine systems and performance enhancements. Extensive use of
the most advanced computer simulation technologies and virtual testing rather than physical prototypes
enabled a significant reduction in time necessary to achieve design freeze. The vehicle will be produced at
the Fiat Auto plant in Tychy, Poland.
For development of the new Fiat Panda, Elasis was involved in all phases of the vehicle’s design, as well as
physical and virtual testing. Elasis was also responsible for body integration, packaging and design checks
of safety, functionality, reliability, assemblability, maintainability, aesthetics and cost.
For Ferrari, Elasis was involved in completion of development of the 599 GTO, with activities including
modification of the body and trim, development of solutions to lighten the vehicle – using innovative materials
(carbon, composites, etc.) and thickness optimization – and support for Team Ferrari up to the production
launch.
In addition, Elasis was also involved in the development of the Ferrari 458 Spider. Aside from designing the
body and internal/external trim, Elasis also worked on the bill of materials, structural calculations, packaging
and virtual validation. Those activities led to creation of the first prototypes and then the issue of mathematical
specifications for approval of the final tooling.
Finally, the Center also participated in the development of two Maserati models, the M156 (the new
Quattroporte) and the M157 (a new E-segment model).
Elasis also continued its research and development in road safety in collaboration with FGA (Safety Center),
under the European CASPER project (Child Advanced Safety Project for European Roads), to improve child
restraint systems through the development and testing of innovative new devices.
Electronic control systems. Development and updating of ECAx Methodologies for the design and
simulation of electrical circuitry and wiring for Fiat Group and Chrysler also continued. A new design flow
was used for the first time to design electrical circuits for the future Fiat Panda, the new L0 platform vehicles
and the Maserati GranTurismo FL. The virtual design of the electrical system for the future Panda was also
approved. The commercial tools chosen for the design process were adapted to the new design flow and
simulation of the electrical system.
For CNH, as part of the research project on model-based methodologies for development of embedded
software systems for agricultural equipment, Elasis developed the master control software for two machines,
the K42 Large Square Baler and the K49 Round Baler, and also contributed to development of the software
for the new Universal Control Module (UCM) for tractors. These activities followed the model-based
methodology previously developed for automobiles with functional and regression tests being conducted in
the laboratory on tractors and balers using “Hardware in the Loop” simulators. The UCM was installed on
new tractor models beginning in late 2010.