Additional Capabilities
Validation Center
Engineers at Lear’s Validation Center examine everything from small components to complete vehicle systems, providing a full range of safety, durability, and performance testing. The lab features a full suite of digital online live media for test review, data collection, and archiving. Lab processes utilize Six Sigma and Lear manufacturing methodologies to optimize both the quality and efficiency of all testing operations.
Crash Simulation
- Lear's HYGE cylinder and sled carriage is capable of performing a variety of forward- and rearward-impact simulations. Testing includes FMVSS, ECE, NCAP, custom dynamic specifications, cargo retention, airbag deployment, pretensioner firing, and whiplash simulations. Streamed data acquisition and multiple high-speed cameras (1000 fps) instantaneously record events.
Anchorage Testing (Nine Cylinders)
- The seat anchorage system is utilized for ECE and FMVSS 207, 207/210, and 225 strength testing. It simulates the loading conditions of forward- and rear-impact conditions on seat assemblies, car bodies, and child seat attachments. The system features automated data acquisition and reporting.
Durability and Performance
- Seats, doors, visors, panels, and other components are examined using dozens of robots and PLC test machines. Product function, performance, wear, durability, and endurance testing of all components and OEM specifications. Universal PLC testers used for testing under all conditions and sequences. Robotic testing featuring Lear's patented OccuBot load form.
Performance Measurement and Characterization
- Performance measurement and characterization consists of current, voltage, effort, force, speed, size, range of motion, torque, mass and center of gravity, heating and cooling variations, X-Y plots, ILD, tensile strength, stretch, and compression. A range of instruments and software such as Instron, Schap, FARO, LabView, and SnapMaster, provides both remote control and automated data collection and analysis.
Environmental Exposures
- Lear has small, medium, large, and very large environmental chambers with measuring temperatures from -70º to 165º C and relative humidity from 5 - 95%. Utilization includes durability and full-vehicle dimensional stability for fit, finish, and shape retention. Component testing includes seat operating performance, headliner/visor sag, adhesion strength, and trim assembly visual appearance.
Quiet Shaker Systems
- Lear utilizes a number of quiet shakers for subjective and objective seat noise evaluations. The quietness of the shaker is so low that nearly all measured noises occurring during vibration simulations are a direct result of objectively measured buzz, squeak, or rattle issues with the tested seats, instrument panels, doors, etc. These measures can quickly be root caused, corrected, and objectively analyzed for corrections. The system is portable and can be provided to Lear assembly plants for launch evaluation and build variation screening.