Topology optimization has been the subject of extensive study within academia during the past decade. Topology optimization is very attractive in helping designing new structures because it can provide optimal topologies of structures based on user supplied package space, design requirements, boundary conditions and loads. This methodology can help product design engineers find an optimal design early in the design stage and may allow them to evaluate the manufacturability of teh optimal design at the same time. Furthermore, it reduces the product development cycle time which is an important concern in today's competitive automotive industry. This article presents the application of topology optimization in improving an air cleaner bracket design. Even though the up-front design using topology optimization can maximize the benefits of designing components, the manufacturing feasibility amy be an issue. In this study, an effort was made to take into consideration the maufacturing feasibility after an optimal air cleaner bracket design was found using a topology optimization method. Some manufacturing considerations are discussed. This study illustrates how the final design can be found based on the optimal design and manufacturing requirements. Since different products have different manufacturing requirements, the integration of the topology optimization with various manufacturing constraints is an important research direction for the future.
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