Research on Source of Noise during Adjustment of Automotive Seating Head Restraint and its Countermeasure

In automotive seating, there are multiple applications wherein parts have relative motions. During the relative motion of parts, noise is generated due to friction which can be irritant to the end user. This paper focuses on, one such application where conventional noise reduction solutions like grease application are not very effective. Typically, Seats can have two types of Head Restraint, a) Adjustable, b) Non Adjustable. In Adjustable type of Head restraint, during adjustment by the end user, head restraint rod rubs against the metal plate inside the locking guide. This creates friction and that in turn results in noise. The paper focuses on understand the phenomenon of noise, identifying the root cause and studying about potential solutions to reduce the noise to acceptable level. In this paper, parameters affecting the noise are studied and evaluated. Major parameters considered are:

1. 1
   Surface texture of frame
2. 2
   Surface finishing operations of frame

Figure 1