At Toyota Technical Center, I was assigned a role as a Design Engineer in the Chassis department. I was tasked with analyzing suspension components for the Toyota Avalon. During the 2013 chassis redesign launch, Toyota engineers stiffened the suspension to give the car a more sporty feel. However this alienated some of their best customers, elderly buyers, who liked a softer ride.
The components I analyzed to explore modifications
I helped to analyze specific suspension components, and determine what changes we could make with the current suppliers to achieve older suspension characteristics. Specifically I helped to analyze jounce bumper compliance, spring stiffness, as well as front stabilizer link parts using ADAMS/Car. I would run handling simulations in an attempt to match the prior body style's performance data.
Key Takeaways:
• Experienced thorough development process that ensures nothing gets overlooked
• Understanding complicated supply chain network when change is needed
• Working with cultural differences of Japanese owned and operated business
• Importance of documentation throughout engineering process