Abstract: A method of providing a seat back (17) of a seat assembly including shape defining steps that involve the use of a design manikin (14). A contour of the centerline (15) for the seat back is determined according to a hip point (10), or ‘h-point,’and a torso line (12) of the manikin. The determination includes definition of a lumbar apex reference point (16) above the hip point along the torso line, a lumbar shape reference circle (40) defined as being behind the torso line and spaced apart therefrom, a forward lumbar prominence line (30) which is parallel to the torso line and tangential to the lumbar shape reference circle, and a rearward lumbar prominence (20) line which is parallel to and rearward of the forward lumbar prominence line.

Abstract: A method for designing automobile seat assemblies in which a sled test is run on a prototype seat assembly in order to obtain the necessary data to model the seat assembly with simulation software. A basic model of the surface of the seat assembly is built utilizing simulation software and tests are run on various parameters to determine those that are most significant to the desired objective of the design process. Thereafter, the software is used to build a detailed model of the seat assembly and all its elements and the significant parameters are tested further to determine those that are again most significant to achieving the desired outcome. Once optimization ranges for those most significant parameters are chosen, the prototype seat assembly is modified accordingly. A final sled test is run on the modified prototype to verify the results and compare those results with the original sled test results.

Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion and a seat back. The seat back is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement of the seat back about a first pivot axis relative to the seat cushion. A head restraint support assembly is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement with the seat back about the first pivot axis and independent pivotal movement relative to the seat back about a second pivot axis.