Multi-objective optimization of automotive seat frames using machine learning

Abstract

The optimal design of automobile seats plays an important role in passenger safety in high-speed accidents. In order to enhance the accuracy of the prediction of the input variables and output response of the seat, a hybrid machine learning prediction model that combines the improved gray wolf optimizer (IGWO) and back propagation neural network (BPNN) has been proposed, and the prediction effect of the model was validated using the seat simulation data. Initially, based on the experimental data, finite element models were developed for eight typical working conditions of automobile seats and their accuracy was validated. Subsequently, the energy absorption to mass ratio method was employed to screen the design variables, resulting in the selection of 17 thickness variables and 15 material variables. Thereafter, the gray wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm underwent enhancement through the incorporation of the dynamic leadership hierarchy (DLH) mechanism and the revision of the positional formula, yielding the IGWO algorithm. Following this, the IGWO algorithm was applied to optimize the hyperparameters of BPNN, culminating in the establishment of the IGWO-BPNN model. Ultimately, the seat multi-objective optimization design process was addressed using multi-objective gray wolf optimizer (MOGWO) to achieve the Pareto frontier, while the decision-making was conducted using the combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) method to determine the best trade-off solution. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed optimal design method is evidenced by comparing the baseline design, simulation analysis, and optimal design methods. The results indicate that the optimized automotive seat frame achieves a reduction in cost by 20.7 % and mass by 22.9 %, simultaneously maintaining safety performance. Consequently, the proposed optimization design methodology is demonstrated to be highly effective for the multi-objective optimization design of automotive seat frames.