So Flo
Tom Wittenschlaeger (Chief Strategy Officer) and Phil Tsiaras (Chief Engineer and Lead Technologist, PVG) approached PHD to come up with a new boat seat suspensions design. They had an existing prototype but wanted us to look at the project from a clean sheet perspective. We evaluated the existing prototype and proposed a different direction. We came up with a structure design that was similar to a motorcycle fork that would support a bench seat and utilize one of their FLOAT air shocks. We were then tasked with doing all of the detail design work for the system. We utilized our structural simulation experience and did all of the FEA to validate the design. It was quite a job because the assembly had some complex bolted together joints. In addition there was stringent testing requirements to pass. Since most of the parts were made from aluminum we had to use our experience in doing fatigue analysis in order for the design to make it through testing. Testing and FEA loading was determined from data aquisition testing, and Dennis Wootten traveled to South Florida to participate in the testing. We also used our experience in galvanic corrosion to mitigate the effect of using stainless steel and aluminum together in a Marine environment. Salt spray tests confirmed that our approach to this problem was sound and there was minimal corrosion on the assembly after testing. We also had to apply our knowledge of design for manufacturing. We have worked with FOX long enough to know and understand their supply chain so we kept our designs within the boundaries of what they normally do. Another one of our skills that was employed was our extensive experience with dynamic seals and seal groove design. The seals and seal durability were also a top priority going into lab testing.
This was complex and lengthy project. It was a perfect project for us in that it fit right into our sweet spot. Dennis Wootten was the team leader on this project, Eric Lindsley provided simulation support.
Additional support was provided by Paul Hammerstrom and Josh Yablon.
