Exploring the transitional impacts of a 2D to 3D design environment for the development of torque converters

Abstract

This paper presents the internal process changes required for the transition from a 2D to a 3D design environment for the development of torque converters at LuK, Inc. Recently, since American automotive customers have demanded that suppliers provide torque converter designs and assembly models using all 3D design packages, the change of the design environment to a 3D one is mandated. For this reason, the work described in this paper is concerned with how to examine each area of LuK’s product development cycle and develop a flowchart detailing the steps involved in taking a product from a customer request through the design, demonstrate and launch phases of the product. The case study conducted in the work can be used as a guideline for establishing the influences of a product development cycle due to a CAD environment upgrading and/or a new adaptation which is deemed inevitable in the long run. In light of this study, the impacts to the R&D process can be dealt with way in advance to reduce or eliminate the potential drawbacks due to the mandated transition of design/manufacturing environments.