Abstract
The focus of the study is to develop a vehicle seat structure design based on the given design requirements using a computer aided engineering (CAE) approach. To shorten the design timing and number of iterations, optimization was used. Seat cushion and pad/foam were not simulated in the study.
In the study, topology optimization was used for a primary seat structure layout. The design space of the seat structure was defined by the vehicle package and confined by the seat cushion and seat back pad. The seat back strength, lateral, torsion stiffness, and the stiffness with luggage load were considered in the study. Based on the topology optimization result, three-dimensional (3-D) computer aided designs (CAD) of seat structures were proposed. With the consideration of the manufacturing process and limitation, complexity of the design, the cost, assembly sequence and time, one design was considered. Final functional analyses were performed to confirm the performances of the proposed seat structure design.
The study demonstrated the CAE and optimization tool efficiently provided the vehicle seat design. The same design approach and similar procedure could be utilized for different applications.
Keywords: Seat Structure, Seat Design, CAE, Structure Analysis, Optimization