An automobile manufacturer wanted to develop
test and design specifications for parts, including interior trim parts, for
their suppliers. SixD
engineers developed a program to measure the loads
applied to trim components—such as center console, rear and side view
mirrors, sun visor, door handles, door threshold, cup holder, and so on—while
they were being used by customers. Measurements included strains,
forces, position, velocities, accelerations, and number of activations.
 Other
test programs measured seat loadings and door closures to determine
loads for validation testing. One car used as a taxicab
was instrumented to capture accelerated-usage data on every closure
system on the vehicle.
Instrumented cars were also tested in ‘customer
clinics,’ where attendees at public events were guided through a series of scripted actions on
appealing, late-model
vehicles. These accelerated customer usage measurements provided large
amounts of data about a variety of users in a short time.
Benefit: Component
specifications that are based on how customers really use a product result
in a better product early in the development process. They also improve the
manufacturer's confidence that outsourced parts will be serviceable.
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