Resources
Autoclimate has a broad range of experience and expertise covering many areas of automotive engineering. In addition to its in-house engineering team the company has a team of retained consultants which brings additional levels of knowledge and competencies. Areas covered include advanced design and finite element analysis (FEA), material sciences, noise vibration and harshness (NVH), belt drive engineering, refrigeration system engineering and formal 8-D processes.
Specialisms of the company’s designers, engineers and retained consultants include:
|
Design requirements capture
|
Belt drive engineering
|
|
Advanced design tools
|
Thermodynamics
|
|
Material sciences and production methods
|
Rapid prototyping and manufacture
|
|
Finite element analysis (FEA)
|
Formal 8-D processes
|
|
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
|
Refrigeration system engineering
|
|
Noise vibration and harshness (NVH)
|
To strengthen its design and development resources, Autoclimate has established two-way links with the University of Lincoln and Harper Adams University College to access resources, academic support and educational co-operation.
The company has adopted the vehicle manufacturers’ formal methods for design and validation. The Development Process Gate System is a unified development creation process designed to produce a reliable, robust and cost effective solution.
All group functions are integrated to allow development to proceed with the involvement of each stakeholder team. The Gate System enables standardisation within the development cycle of manufacturing process, to achieve commonality of parts, with reliable quality delivery cost reduction and effective communication.
The Gate System allows for continuous improvement through an efficient feedback process.
Specialist CAE software operated by Autoclimate engineers include Solidworks CAD incorporating electronic product data management (PDM) and Simulation FEA together with proprietary belt simulation software and programs such as ANSYS-Fluent and Magma.
 |
Precision The company uses an advanced portable CMM (Co-ordinate Measuring Machine) which provides co-ordinate points to an accuracy of 0.05mm. Geometric co-ordinates are used to establish positions of fixing points, drivelines, surfaces and other physical constraints which influence the design when manufacturer data is unavailable. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) methods are applied to ensure accurate fit, form and function and conformance to ISO standards. |
Specialist automated FEA tools design out failure at the concept stage by reducing local stress concentrations. FEA allows working conditions to be accurately simulated by applying loads, force, pressure and torque at appropriate levels and to guard against failure in extreme operating conditions. FEA results are displayed with images and graphical presentations in addition to animations of strain - both static and vibration induced.
Care is taken at the design stage to avoid vibration-induced stresses which could lead to premature failure. Each product is designed outside engine-induced vibration forces. Autoclimate sets design criteria safely above maximum working levels - providing the user with additional peace of mind for product reliability and robustness.
Before Autoclimate products are signed off for production, prototype resin models are prepared using the company’s in-house stereolithographic rapid prototyping (RP) machine.
Prototype models are critical to the development process, enabling each design to be verified within a short time frame on the actual vehicle. The design is checked to the required specification and the model proved ready for production.
Small batch pre-production runs can be achieved cost-effectively using the same RP technology. This involves the creation of a master pattern from which hand-made, cast iron products are manufactured.
Autoclimate designs refrigeration, electrical and hydraulic bespoke FEADS (Front End Auxiliary Drive Systems) such as mount kits for auxiliary drives for mobile or fixed installations which require air conditioning, plus a growing range of complete systems.
The company offers a full technical engineering consultancy service to support each customer at every stage and to establish timescales and workflow targets. Bespoke projects begin by gaining a full understanding of the product and application requirements. This is followed by assessing feasibility, design and engineering, prototyping and production stages.
Autoclimate designers and engineers take a flexible and adaptable approach to bespoke products whilst maintaining the company’s high standards, professional methods and quality delivery processes.
Bespoke projects are protected by full confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement. Commercial and security interests are safeguarded throughout.
Autoclimate continues to develop how its products are designed and engineered. Field experience and customer feedback are fundamental aspects of the company’s quality management processes and procedures.
The goal is to pursue the highest levels of customer satisfaction, in terms of product quality, reliability and robustness. This is achieved through the maximisation of efficiency in process, design and manufacturing.
Autoclimate strives to maintain its position as a respected market leader in the sectors in which it operates.
