2. Automotive – Seat Structural Analysis and Testing
• Structural Analysis - FEA
• Performed analyses of FMVSS 207 / 210 loading conditions
• DAEWOO (GM) Nubira
• Jeep Wrangler (XJ)
• Structural Analysis – Defense Litigation Support
• Prepared casework as part of Holmes v Ford, et al.
• Reviewed FMVSS 207 / 210 test data for a
multitude of cars, pickup trucks and SUVs.
• Analyzed plaintiff dynamic testing and assisted
defense counsel / fellow experts.
Robert A. Mehl - Professional Experiences 2
3. Automotive / Aviation / Military – Design
• Structural integrity of seat system including seatbelts
• Analyzed seatbelt components - FMVSS 207 / 210 loads
• Seatbelt routing, accessibility and strength per FMVSS 209
• Application engineering for seatbelts to ensure proper seatbelt
strength, routing and accessibility standards were met.
• Worked with automotive (VW, Ford), military and executive aviation
customers to meet their needs.
Robert A. Mehl - Professional Experiences 3
4. Military – Gunner Turret Sling Seat - Background
• Design and Program Responsible
• Meet cost and timing targets
• DFM - Used Spanish skills to build team / improve manufacturability
• Build supply base / reduce supplier costs
• Design parameters
• Increased user comfort Improve ingress / egress
• Easily installed with no hardware changes
• Develop integral EA device to improve gunner survivability
• Final Project Results – System Mine Blast Performance
• First gunner sling seat to pass all injury numbers
• Reduces lumbar load / pelvic acceleration consistently
• EA capability remaining post-test (heavy occupant / more severe blast)
Robert A. Mehl - Professional Experiences 4
5. Military – Gunner Turret Sling Seat - Results
• Program / Design Results
• All customer concerns / design targets and timing addressed
• Capabilities not found in other competitor’s sling seats
• Energy Absorption capabilities (EA) Padded adjustable seat back / rest
• Contoured seat base Dual emergency release shackles
• Maintained BOM cost / sales price while adding content
• Opportunity for $ 18 MM business
• Increased component supplier base resulted in secondary program
cost reductions
Robert A. Mehl - Professional Experiences 5
