END OF LINE TEST SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE SEATS
Case Study
THE CHALLENGE
For this project Lear instructed us to design, build and install a system to test the front seats of the Stellantis eK9 van. The requirement was for a compact on-line machine to be integrated into the Lear assembly track in Coventry.
The equipment will be used to test the following components:
- Heater Mat
- Occupancy Detection System (ODS)
- Belt buckle
- Airbag
THE CUSTOMER
Lear Corporation is a leading supplier of automotive seating and electrical distribution systems, supplying most major car makers in the world
Industry: Automotive
Location: Coventry, UK
THE PROCESS
To initiate the process, the operator connects the harness and scans the barcode on the build. The operator is then prompted to insert the belt tongue into the buckle. Following this, the resistance with and without the buckle in is checked.
The system automatically turns the heater mat on and simultaneously illuminates the button on the seat. The current draw of both the light and heater mats are tested. Once the Heat active test has been carried out, the Heat inactive tests will be carried out.
The airbag and ground resistance are also checked to ensure they are within the correct limits.
Furthermore, the seat occupancy mat is tested by deploying an ODS pad under load to pre-determined calibrated forces. The system will also record (and store in an array) the distance travelled, force applied and ODS mat resistance.
The machine is controlled by Sorion’s Sextans test software running on a touch screen PC. Sextans offers an easy to use and intuitive interface designed for the production environment. It delivers both consistency and reliability by controlling the key test parameters.
Finally, the results of each test cycle are communicated back to the Orion traceability database for detailed analysis and reporting.
RESULTS
The test equipment helps Lear ensure that only functioning seats will leave their plant.
- High-precision seat tests to increase passenger safety and reduce risks of product recalls
- Optimised process to ensure the shortest cycle time
- Full traceability of each seat

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