Feature: Interconnections


Generative development with a digital twin Companies such as SmartCable are now increasingly developing model-based tool chains to meet these complex development processes in a seamless, easier and more error-free way. With digital twin modelling that grows alongside the product development, all subsectors can easily be accessed and interlinked, for a completely interdisciplinary approach. Te entire process remains transparent and generative – from the first draſt of the cable harness architecture to the final manufacturing information. SmartCable’s tool chain works on the basis of a cross-


discipline data model that is a digital twin of the actual cable harness. The model grows dynamically as the development advances. Through interfaces designed for their respective subsectors – so-called “views” – all participants, such as designers or manufacturing planners, can access the central model, which can be drawings, drafts, 3D topologies, simulations and configuration files. With the data model, every point of the 3D topology refers to its respective counterpart in the cable harness drawing and its scaled formboard drawing. Since modifications in any one subsector are not manually


transferred to another but generatively factored into the central 3D data model, error rates decrease and changes can easily be traced at any stage. If the 3D model is modified, the effects on the electromagnetic and thermal compatibility, or the ultimate manufacturing costs, can be determined automatically. Tere are individual rule catalogues that can be expanded as needed


E-mobility and automated driving systems are changing the design of cable harnesses from the ground up, and they continue to evolve


Through interfaces designed for their respective subsectors, so-called views, all development participants can access the central model, which may consist of architectural drawings, drafts, 3D topologies, simulations or configuration files, and more


www.electronicsworld.co.uk July/August 2023 35


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