Changchun Railway Passenger Car Co., Ltd. was established in March 2002, following the restructuring of the original Changchun Bus Factory’s main business and top assets (see Figure 1). As a joint-stock company, it stands out among its domestic peers with six key advantages: large scale, advanced technical equipment, strong R&D capabilities, a modern management platform, extensive international cooperation, and a solid historical performance. It is China's largest center for the research, development, manufacturing, and export of railway passenger cars, EMUs, and urban rail vehicles.
With the rapid expansion of urban rail transit in China, the design and functionality of train seats have also evolved significantly. European countries, known for their advanced technology, have started sourcing components from China, which has had a major impact on the domestic market. Over the past decade, seat designs have transitioned from simple steel-frame cloth seats to more advanced options like fiberglass and aluminum-frame cloth seats. However, current designs still face challenges, such as passengers sliding forward during acceleration or braking, affecting overall comfort.
To address these issues, the Design Department of Changchun Railway Vehicle Co., Ltd. formed a research team in 2007, collaborating with the Changchun Vocational and Technical College and the Changchun Thermal Group Technical Section. They aimed to develop a three-dimensional design for key seat components using simulation techniques. By employing Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD, they successfully implemented 3D design in practical applications, achieving a breakthrough in design concepts. This shift allowed for more realistic simulations of movement and made the design process more visual and efficient.
The stainless steel seat, installed on the side walls and floor of the car body, is a four- or five-person molded unit. It features a heater and thermal guide device beneath the surface, ensuring even heat distribution and enhancing comfort. The ergonomic design aligns with human body curvature, making it safe, durable, and easy to maintain. Additionally, it offers anti-slip properties that improve stability during vehicle movement.
The structure of the stainless steel seat includes the seat surface, backrest, and bracket. The seat surface is welded to the side plate, with heat dissipation holes along its length. The lower part curves inward and is bonded to a skeleton, matching the shape of the frame. The bracket connects to the side baffle via screws, and a front bezel with a handle and vent hole is attached at the front. A heat-deflecting device is fixed underneath, improving temperature control and user experience.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain when using traditional 2D design software. Products are complex, with many parts and intricate assembly relationships. Engineers often need multiple views to convey their ideas, leading to time-consuming revisions. Changes in one view require updates across all related views, increasing the risk of errors and reducing efficiency.
To overcome these limitations, the project team adopted a top-down design approach using Inventor. This method allows for parametric control, where model sizes can be adjusted by simply changing values, and the system automatically updates the design. The intuitive interface and tree-based browser make it easier to manage assemblies and feature relationships.
Inventor also supports real-time modifications based on customer feedback, accelerating product development and improving client satisfaction. It enables accurate stress analysis, weldment calculations, and BOM generation, reducing errors and boosting productivity. The software’s adaptability and integration with PLM systems further enhance the company’s design and production capabilities.
Through collaboration with Changchun Vocational and Technical College, the team has used Inventor to innovate in various fields, including bicycles and reducers. These projects have received widespread recognition, showcasing the software’s versatility and effectiveness.
Looking ahead, the integration of knowledge-driven automation and paperless production will continue to shape the future of the industry. With tools like Inventor, companies can streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market. As Li Yufen, Director of the Development Department at Jindou Group, noted, "Since 2005, we’ve used Inventor to develop numerous products, making the design process more efficient and our solutions more widely accepted."
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