Application of reverse engineering techniques in vehicle modifications

Abstract

In this article the measurement and generation of 3D models of various vehicles, on which significant design changes had to be made, is described. In order to make the required design changes on the original vehicle, a 3D model of the vehicle had to be created. Therefore, the original vehicle had to be measured in order to create the CAD model of the vehicle. The surface of such complex objects and specific points on the object can be digitized using various optical measuring systems. Based on gathered digital measuring data and via specialized software packages, 3D CAD models of the vehicle or models of specific part of the vehicle can be created. The obtained models represent a good basis for design interventions and various analyses and simulation tasks required for making good decisions regarding the design changes on the vehicle. For those purposes, two measuring systems were used: TRITOP and ATOS. The ATOS system was also used to digitize serial production cars in order to modify them or to use their parts in new products. The use of such measuring system and 3D modelling and analysis tool is allowing the engineers to find better design solutions. © Springer-Verlag London 2013.