Abstract
Keywords - (Instrument panel, Simulation, Function, Objective conflicts, Safety)
Abstract - Due to the increasing quality demands, the different parts of a vehicle are subject to a large amount of technical requirements. Simulation tools are essential to fulfil all these requirements during the first stages of the development process, in order to reduce late and therefore expensive modifications.
This paper will focus on the procedure followed to develop the dashboard of a new vehicle. Dashboards are subject to different and multidisciplinary requirements. Some of them would lead to technical solutions opposite to what would be needed to fulfil some others. It means that compromises must be taken to ensure the achievement of a balanced global solution.
The stiffness (static and dynamic) of the instrument panel is one of the basic functions considered. However, it must also be developed under safety regulations as ECER21, which aims to avoid local stiff areas that could lead to serious injuries in case of head impact. Similar objectives are required regarding knee impact, since load forces on lower extremities are also analyzed in EuroNCAP Offset Crash. Another aspect to consider is the design of the defrost and air conditioning system.
The work process established at SEAT takes into account the integration of suppliers, to ensure viability and production.