Changchun Railway Passenger Car Co., Ltd. was founded in March 2002, marking a significant milestone in the railway industry. It emerged as a joint-stock company after the restructuring of the original Changchun Bus Factory's core business and high-quality assets (as shown in Figure 1). Compared to its domestic competitors, the company stands out with six key advantages: large-scale operations, advanced technical equipment, strong R&D capabilities, an innovative management platform, extensive international collaboration, and a solid historical performance record. As the largest center for the research, development, manufacturing, and export of railway passenger cars, EMUs, and urban rail vehicles in China, it plays a vital role in the national transportation sector.
With the rapid development of urban rail transit in China, rail vehicle components such as seats have also evolved significantly in terms of structure and functionality. European countries, known for their advanced technology, have increasingly turned to Chinese manufacturers for high-quality parts, which has had a noticeable impact on the domestic market. In response, Changchun Railway Vehicle Co., Ltd. established a dedicated research team in 2007 in collaboration with Changchun Vocational and Technical College and the Changchun Thermal Group Technical Section. Their goal was to design a three-dimensional model of key seat components using simulation techniques. By leveraging Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD, they successfully applied 3D design principles to real-world projects, achieving a breakthrough in design innovation. This shift from abstract concepts to visualized models allowed for more realistic motion simulations and improved overall efficiency.
The stainless steel seat, now widely used in urban rail vehicles, is designed to be both functional and comfortable. Installed on the car body walls and floor, these seats are typically four or five-person units equipped with heaters and thermal guidance systems. The ergonomic design ensures comfort, while the materials—such as corrosion-resistant stainless steel—enhance durability and safety. Additionally, the seat’s anti-slip features improve stability during acceleration and braking, making it a reliable choice for modern transit systems.
Despite the advancements, the team identified several challenges when relying on traditional 2D design software. The complexity of larger products with numerous parts made the process time-consuming and error-prone. Design changes often required repetitive edits across multiple views, leading to inefficiencies and potential mistakes. Moreover, calculating stress and deformation in 2D environments lacked accuracy, limiting the ability to optimize designs effectively.
To address these issues, the project team adopted Autodesk Inventor, which offers a more intuitive and efficient design workflow. The top-down approach allowed them to create components based on assembly relationships, ensuring that design intent was clearly reflected in each part. Parameters controlled the model size, enabling quick modifications without manual rework. The software also supported real-time updates, improving collaboration and reducing errors.
Inventor's welding module proved invaluable in analyzing structural integrity, performing strength checks, and calculating weld weights. These features not only accelerated the design process but also enhanced the accuracy of the final product. The BOM generation feature further streamlined production planning, allowing engineers to efficiently manage data and reduce workload.
The team also utilized Inventor to design various components, including the seat assembly, frame, and heat-guiding structures, as illustrated in Figures 2 through 5. These visualizations helped in refining the design and ensuring all elements worked harmoniously. After completing the structural design, the team conducted stress analysis to verify that the stainless steel seat met technical specifications.
Beyond rail seats, the company has collaborated with Changchun Vocational and Technical College to apply Inventor in designing other products like bicycles and gear reducers, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. These innovations have been well-received by academic and industrial partners alike.
Looking ahead, the integration of design, manufacturing, and automation will continue to shape the future of the industry. With tools like Inventor, companies can streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and deliver high-quality products that meet evolving market demands. As one of the leaders in this transformation, Changchun Railway Passenger Car Co., Ltd. remains committed to innovation and excellence in every aspect of its operations.
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