Evaluation of Automotive Front Seat Structure Constructed of Polymer Composite

Seats play an important role in determining customer satisfaction and safety. They also represent three to five percent of the overall vehicle cost and weight. Therefore, automotive manufacturers are continuously seeking ways to improve the areas of comfort, safety, reliability, cost and weight within the seat system.

The purpose of this paper is to review the development of an automotive front seat constructed of injection molded nylon frames and metal mechanisms. This development program was initiated for the purpose of reducing vehicle weight while increasing the reliability and safety of the front seats.

This paper will review the material and process selection decision, a design overview, the performance criteria and the results of tests performed on the injection molded front seats.