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A new CAE system has been developed for improving productivity and shortening delivery times of major assemblies such as engines and transmissions. This system provides precise information about production progress and actual workloads in each shop, making it possible to design the most suitable production process by simulation. Based on simulation results, work instructions can be directly to production workers via an information network. Similarly, in addition to work instructions and information on process design and management, the system also handles production requests and information about production conditions and delivery status -- all by electronic means without using paper. For small-lot production of mixed types of assemblies and components, this system makes it possible to increase flexibility, improve productivity and shorten delivery times.

Basic vehicle performance, such as Safety, Comfort and Economy, are by dependent on tire performance, and it is the air pressure in the tire which assures this performance. However, tire air has a tendency to leak naturally, making it necessary to check them periodically. Since a deterioration in vehicle performance resulting from a drop on tire air pressure can not be directly felt by the driver, the number of people maintaining their tires sufficiently is relatively few. There have been many tire pressure warning devices developed which advise the driver when the pressure drops below a prescribed level. Differing from conventional devices, the TWD-III features a 7-step digital display (at a pitch of 0.1 kgf/cm2) which shows the pressure of each tire within an optional range, and it also has a flat tire warning function. The employment of echo effect from clystal vibrator resonance precludes the need to attach a power source on the tire.

In our study we have attempted to determine a method for objectively evaluating seating comfort. Forty-three different front passenger car seats were subjectively evaluated for comfort under static conditions. The following objective data for these seats were measured for possible correlation with the subjective evaluation: static pressure distribution characteristics, static load/deflection characteristics and vibration characteristics. The pattern of the static pressure distribution was found to approximately correlate with the difference between comfortable and uncomfortable seats. It was also found that the sensation of being cushioned, one of the subjective evaluation factors, was related to the natural frequency obtained from the vibration experiments as well as to the static spring constant obtained from the static load/deflection experiments.