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Rattle noise as an error state of cabin noise in vehicles has become an important topic both in research and application. In engineering, the commonly used method to evaluate and detect rattle issues is greatly dependent on experts’ personal auditory perception. People judge a noise simply as “loud” and “not loud” or “qualified” and “unqualified.” A more objective method needs to be developed to eliminate the randomness of subjective evaluation. In this paper, a rig test of the seatbelt retractors was performed, and simulated random excitation was applied to the test samples through the MB vibration test bench in a semi-anechoic chamber. The rattle noises were recorded by HEAD SQuadriga II. Various methods were employed to identify and assess the severity of rattle noise on seatbelt retractors.

The requirement for low emissions and better vehicle performance has led to the demand for lightweight vehicle structures. Two new lightweight methods of design and optimization for the lower control arm were proposed in this research to improve the effectiveness of the traditional lightweight method. Prior to the two lightweight design and optimization methods, the static performance, including strength, stiffness and mode, and fatigue performance for the lower control arm were analyzed and they provided constraints for subsequent design and optimization. The first method of lightweight design and optimization was integrated application of topography optimization, size optimization, shape optimization and free shape optimization for the control arm. Topography optimization was first applied to find the optimal distribution form of reinforcement rib for the lower control arm. Size optimization was then applied in this study to optimize the plate thickness.