An Experimental Investigation of Squeak Noise for the Fabric and Plastic of Automotive Seat

Recently, one of major problems in automotive industry is squeak noise between two different materials. It is the most severe case that the noise between automobile seat and other relative parts (or within seat parts). Especially, seat covering is generated to unfavorable sound by friction of other parts. The purpose of this research is to verify and suggest a way to reduce squeak noise between seat covering and plastic at relative parts. Test results were reported with 1 to 10 Risk Priority Number (RPN) which was proposed by VDA (Verband der Automotilindustrie). It was conducted as a test with two different types of seat trim cover (knit) and plastics (PC+ABS) applied at arm rest in automotive interior. Through the principle test, the knit were more advantageous for squeak noise than other fabrics around relative part of seat particularly with suede, tricot and PC+ABS. We also optimized the concentration of soft agent in knit for slipping through stick-slip test to moderate noise. The concentration of soft agent is about 5% that squeak noise was below 3 for all case of plastic and seat covering. If the concentration of soft agent in knit is more or less than 5%, a fabric is excessively contracted or changed into different characteristics. Additionally, dense system of knit can decrease noise compare to loose organization. Based on these results, we developed an improved knit for squeak noise to apply of meeting parts at seat. This fabric can prevent the squeak noise even though abrasion and environmental conditions. The result of this study could be used to decrease in noise and be useful for selection of the materials at seat and relative parts.