Strength Optimization of Infant Pop-Up Seat Frame Using Discrete Material and Thickness Optimization

In this paper, the authors proposed an optimal design method for the strength design of infant pop-up seat frame combined with rear seats for infants, children, and adults, not removable booster seats or car seats. Frame strength design was performed using discrete material and thickness optimization (DMTO) method considering high strength steel (HSS) and advanced high strength steel (AHSS). Structural design using the Section 4 link mechanism was performed, and the weakness of the seat frame due to static load was confirmed through finite element analysis. An optimal design criterion was established by carrying out a case study to derive the limiting conditions according to static and dynamic loads. In consideration of these criteria, the optimal design according to d-optimal and discrete Latin-hypercube (DLH) was performed among the design of experiments (DOE). And the strength of the pop-up seat frame for infants according to each DOE was checked, and the strength optimization method was suggested by comparing the lightweight ratio.