Detail study of a dynamic module for Affordable Reconfigurable Tooling

Background:
The division Production Systems within the Department of Mechanical Engineering is developing a tooling concept called Affordable Reconfigurable Tooling (ART). The purpose strives towards innovative methods and technology to lower cost in the production of Vehicles. For five years this technology has been developed for aerospace industry. Today this technology is partly moving towards an industrialization phase at Saab Aerospace in Sweden, but also towards further development and application in other industries.

The ART system consists of a Modular Framework, Box-joints, Dynamic Modules (DM) and a Metrology System as well as a computer simulation and control system. Currently several DMs where studied and developed, but emphasis is set in the Hexapod solution.
Today the reconfiguration of the Dynamic Modules in the ART system is done automatically a robot. Solutions for configuration work done manually are currently under development.
http://www.ps.ikp.liu.se/researchprojects/henki/affordable-reconfigurable-tooling.htm

Project Description:
Starting from the current hexapod prototype and designed geometry, the student will study and develop the dynamic module. This includes but is not limited to its geometrical, kinematic and mechanical characteristics.
After a deep and detailed knowledge of the characteristics and limitations of the dynamic module is acquired, the student will propose and develop solutions and techniques for further improvement.
Finite Element Method (FEM) calculations as well as sensibility and optimisation processes are fundamental tools in this project. The student will make adequate CAD models for these tasks.
After a concept is built physically, physical testing in the lab will validate the calculations and simulations.
As a conclusion to the project the student will propose a product family for the Hexapod that is suitable in the ART context.