Maybe not The original! but probably The Best!
Sorion has many years experience in the development of force application machines that are used in the assembly of automotive seats.
The complexity of modern seat design and the legal requirements of Occupancy Classification Systems (OCS) means that seat assemblers (whether OEM or Tier 1) have to carry out individual seat calibrations and need full traceability of those seats.
These OCS systems are often known by various names such as PODS (Passive Occupancy Detection Systems), Delphi (one of the system manufacturers), Bladder mat (one of the technologies used).
Sorion has developed what is probably one of the best FAMs available in the world, having a number of innovative features that are not available elsewhere.
Sorion's latest generation of FAMs are available as both off-line and on-line machines.
The off-line machines have a slide out fixture onto which the seat is placed and locked into position, the fixture is then slid in and the calibration process commenced.
Our on-line machines can be integrated into any assembly track. The seats are fed into the FAM by the track system, then the calibration and traceability process is automatically initiated. Upon completion of the calibration process the seat is released and passed forward on the assembly line.
The FAM machines supplied by Sorion typically comprise of the following main elements:-
A compact rigid frame made from extrusion 2,100mm x 1,200mm x 2,300mm (W x D x H)
Location mechanism to position and hold the seat assembly during calibration
Electric servo drive with linear actuator with 300mm fore-aft movement (± 0.5mm)
Electric servo drive with linear actuator with 1,100mm side-side movement (± 0.5mm)
Electric servo drive with linear actuator and force feedback on the pushing 'Z' axis
450mm vertical movement (± 0.1mm)
Up to 1,000N vertical force application (± 0.25N between 10N & 1,000N)
X - Y - Z position reference points
A 'park' position to the side of the test area containing digital scales for calibration check.
Automatic pick and place of the calibrated weight onto the scales
Machined nylon 'butt' to standard form
Inclinometer to detect seat cushion angle
Up to 6 lasers (as standard) to measure seat position (including track, height, cushion extension and squab)
Perimeter guarding with light guard protecting the seat entry
Integrated control cabinet with Control PC, servo drives and miscellaneous control elements
Sorion's shopfloor runtime system Sextans that can be integrated with factory assembly systems
Rigel VCi3 providing CAN & LIN communications as required to the seat OCS / PODS-B ECU and seat ECU.
Seat power supply
Ruggedised connectors to connect the test system to seat under test
Barcode reader for specification input and traceability
Results printer
Option of full seat electrical test including testing of:-
Seat movements (either direct control of via diagnostics)
Heater mats
Heater cooler systems
Massage systems
Airbag and Pre-Tensioner
Process time for Sorion FAMs is typically around 90 seconds for an on-line machine and 150 seconds for an off-line machine, although these times are very dependant upon customer process and requirements.
For further information on Sorion's FAM or other products please contact Sorion.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Sorion offers a comprehensive range of support services including remote access links that can be set up to provide a greater level of support at reduced costs (reducing the need for expensive dedicated site engineers).
Sorion
Magreal Industrial Estate
Freeth Street
Ladywood
Birmingham
B16 0QZ
+44 (0) 121 454 8966