Seat engineering
- 1. Seat Engineering Design, Analysis and Testing Skills and Experiences Presentation Robert A. Mehl 1
- 2. Automotive – Seat Structural Analysis and Testing • Structural Analysis - FEA • Performed analyses of FMVSS 207 / 210 loading conditions • DAEWOO (GM) Nubira • Jeep Wrangler (XJ) • Structural Analysis – Defense Litigation Support • Prepared casework as part of Holmes v Ford, et al. • Reviewed FMVSS 207 / 210 test data for a multitude of cars, pickup trucks and SUVs. • Analyzed plaintiff dynamic testing and assisted defense counsel / fellow experts. Robert A. Mehl - Professional Experiences 2
- 3. Automotive / Aviation / Military – Design • Structural integrity of seat system including seatbelts • Analyzed seatbelt components - FMVSS 207 / 210 loads • Seatbelt routing, accessibility and strength per FMVSS 209 • Application engineering for seatbelts to ensure proper seatbelt strength, routing and accessibility standards were met. • Worked with automotive (VW, Ford), military and executive aviation customers to meet their needs. Robert A. Mehl - Professional Experiences 3
- 4. Military – Gunner Turret Sling Seat - Background • Design and Program Responsible • Meet cost and timing targets • DFM - Used Spanish skills to build team / improve manufacturability • Build supply base / reduce supplier costs • Design parameters • Increased user comfort Improve ingress / egress • Easily installed with no hardware changes • Develop integral EA device to improve gunner survivability • Final Project Results – System Mine Blast Performance • First gunner sling seat to pass all injury numbers • Reduces lumbar load / pelvic acceleration consistently • EA capability remaining post-test (heavy occupant / more severe blast) Robert A. Mehl - Professional Experiences 4
- 5. Military – Gunner Turret Sling Seat - Results • Program / Design Results • All customer concerns / design targets and timing addressed • Capabilities not found in other competitor’s sling seats • Energy Absorption capabilities (EA) Padded adjustable seat back / rest • Contoured seat base Dual emergency release shackles • Maintained BOM cost / sales price while adding content • Opportunity for $ 18 MM business • Increased component supplier base resulted in secondary program cost reductions Robert A. Mehl - Professional Experiences 5