Planing

Holding of brainstorming sessions using iterative methods and with the participation of all project stakeholders to generate ideas that will be materialized into drawings. Development of the concept of smart-solutions to improve passenger travel experience, selection of trim elements and foams for better comfort and development of manufacturing strategies. The task comes to a close with the final definition of the concept for the seat.

Digital three-dimensional modelling of the prototype to allow for functional and ergonomic testing, final validation of chosen materials and smart-solution integration. This phase sees the creation of the product breakdown structure, analyzing the product life-cycle and its environmental impact. Finite element analysis is used for structural dimensioning based on the load bearing of each component and the engineering specification of the product is carried out.

Rapid prototyping of the prototype’s components allows for their early validation thus reducing development time and overall project costs. Creation of moulds and tooling for the manufacturing of the components that, once assembled, comprise the final prototype.

Testing of materials and seat components based on the most adverse stresses identified during simulation and structural dimensioning. Functional testing is carried out on the prototype that seeks to replicate the anthropometric characteristics of the passengers in the use-cases that explore the seat’s functions.

Project disclosure and promotion of all consortium members in such a way as to best reward the collective investment in the final prototype. Disclosure will be channeled through contributions to scientific journals, conference papers, Master and Doctoral theses, and participation in international specialty trade-fairs where that main railway OEMs are present.