Use of Genetic Algorithms to Optimize the Cost of Automotive Wire Harnesses

Abstract

Designing automotive electrical wire harnesses is a complex task involving many physical, electrical, thermal and mechanical constraints. First, the topology of a harness has to match the physical configuration of the vehicle where it is going to be placed. Secondly, the harness has to be able to transmit enough current and provide enough voltage to all the electrical devices (e. g., light bulbs, motors, etc.) that will be attached to it and be prepared to perform properly in the most demanding conditions (i. e., when many devices are operating simultaneously). Furthermore, the wires must be wide enough to be able to transmit current to the devices without overheating, but small in order to reduce the material cost of the product. Finally, the harness must be manufacturable, maintainable, and provide good mechanical control for activations and deactivations of the devices.