The seats in an automobile play an important role in the overall customer satisfaction. That is why automotive engineers must keep up with customer demands by adding new features and materials to improve the look, feel and functionality of seating.
As a manufacturer of fastening products, YKK is actively developing fastening solutions to meet the changing needs of the automotive seating industry.
In a report called “Automotive Seats – Market Trends, Drivers, and Forecasts by Tecnavio,” it states that, “There is an increasing use of lightweight materials in automotive seat systems as OEMs are trying to increase fuel efficiency and meet the increasing demand for safety and functional features in cars. The lightweight measures will help reduce CO2 emissions and provide better fuel economy.”
Automotive Seats – Market Trends, Drivers, and Forecasts by Technavio
According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the global automotive seats market is expected to reach USD 414.40 million by 2021, growin
YKK’s 5CH CONCEAL® zipper is designed to help increasing fuel efficiency in cars. Since this zipper looks like a perfect seam when closed, it is used to replace high cost plastic back panels on car seats, thereby reducing the weight of seats by 2 lbs. This zipper is also used in automotive seating to give the trim cover open access to air bags and other connections required for seat functions. Once all of the connections have been made, the assembler can close the trim cover by utilizing an ergonomic zipper closing tool.
For more information on the 5CH CONCEAL® zipper, click here.
Transportation – YKK
YKK North and Central America Group’s 5CH CONCEAL® zipper is used in automotive seating to give the trim cover open access to air bags and other connections required for seat functions. Once all the connections have been made, the assembler can close the trim cover by utilizing an ergonomic zipper closing tool.
In addition to the concern with increasing fuel inefficiencies, the article, “Automotive Seat Suppliers Take a Stand on Innovation,” points out the fact that people’s lives have become very busy and their seating needs often change.
“Magna engineers are developing flexible seating options that “feature more functionality and easier adaptability to address lifestyle needs and give more customized control to individuals.”
“They recently developed a new type of suspension system for use in the 2017 Lincoln Continental sedan. Thanks to integrated composite parts produced via multiple molding processes, the “perfect position seat” optimizes comfort by cradling the upper back and providing side-torso support, which flexes to accommodate various occupant sizes.”
The article, “7 Innovations in auto interiors,” by Bradford Wernle, also mentions that Lear Corporation developed a Lear Intu Intelligent Seating Ecosystem, which is a seating system that takes an occupant’s biometric measurements to monitor wellness, and changes the seating position accordingly.” It also states that the Intu system will adjust the seat into a more upright posture to improve alertness.
7 innovations in auto interiors
In the automotive design world, interiors once played second fiddle. The glamour and glory resided in the sleek, beautiful sheet metal of the exterior. But the game has radically changed. Technology is transforming what carmakers can do with interiors. The rise of autonomous driving, especially, will change how customers spend time in the cabin.
To assist automotive engineers in developing flexible seats with more functionality and seats with Smart technology, YKK offers its QUICKFIT® (hook) QUICKLOOP ™ (loop) fastener system. This line of products provides JIT Tier 1 plants with an innovative fastening solution that attaches the trim cover to the seat foam and defines the trim line design on the automotive seat, thus improving the look of the seat. Unlike the traditional ring and wire method of assembly which is difficult to manipulate and requires force and can cause repetitive strain injuries for workers, YKK’s QUICKFIT® (hook) and QUICKLOOP™ (loop) fastener makes it easy to pull a seat trim cover down into a seat foam.
For more information on the QUICKFIT® and QUICKLOOP™ fastener system, click here.
QUICKFIT® – YKK
Material : Main Unit polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) Monofilaments : Iron, Nylon YKK® QUICKFIT® fastener is an effective and efficient seat tie down system for automotive seats. QUICKFIT® fastener improves the foaming process and seat cover assembling process, and reduces seat weight, Compared to the seat tie down system using metal wires.
YKK’s QUICKFIT® Flex fastener also allows seat designers to create curved lines in seats. It goes around the perimeter of a seat and is molded into the foam to provide a hook feature to mate with the trim cover loop and define the edge of the seat cushion and seat back.
For more information on QUICKFIT® Flex fastener, click here.
QUICKFIT® FLEX – YKK
Material : Main Unit polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) Monofilaments : Iron, Nylon YKK® QUICKFIT® fastener is an effective and efficient seat tie down system for automotive seats. QUICKFIT® fastener improves the foaming process and seat cover assembling process, and reduces seat weight, Compared to the seat tie down system using metal wires.
YKK’s standard 5CI conventional zipper provides an exceptional seat trim closure for rear seat applications since it can go around curves. Most rear seats have difficult-to-navigate edges and curves around the armrests and require seat trim closures in hard to reach areas. The 5CI conventional zipper not only provides enough strength once the cover is closed, but also provides a seat closure method around the curves on the rear seats.
For more information on the 5CI conventional zipper, click here.
Transportation – YKK
YKK North and Central America Group’s 5CH CONCEAL® zipper is used in automotive seating to give the trim cover open access to air bags and other connections required for seat functions. Once all the connections have been made, the assembler can close the trim cover by utilizing an ergonomic zipper closing tool.
Commenting on YKK’s fastening solutions for the automotive seating industry, Thanh Nguyen, Director of YKK’s Transportation Fastening Group says, “YKK has become known as a fastening solution provider for the automotive industry. You can visit YKK’s Fastening Solution Studio in Novi, Michigan to review all current and future innovations for tie down systems for Automotive Seating and Interiors.”
How are car seats made?
Car seats are made up of 3 major components: a frame for support, foam for comfort, and a trim cover for appearance.
