Design and Prototyping of Marine Suspension Seat
Background
Wavemaster contacted JNDC after manufacturing a basic prototype of a shock mitigation seat. The seat was designed to reduce back injuries commonly suffered by high speed boat users, especially found within rescue and special forces. JNDC conducted an in-depth design review with the customer focusing on how to take the existing prototype and develop the concept right through to production.
Development
A stainless steel mechanism was developed to fit within the tight package under the seat. Structural analysis was then carried out on the approved design to highlight key areas of the design that required reinforcement and strengthening. Prototypes were developed and sea trials conducted to test the various prototypes, identifying which was best for the application.
Solution
The design allows the user to easily install the seat onto the boats existing seat pod, removing the need to replace the existing fibreglass seat pods moulded onto the boats deck. The seat offers a comfortable ride and reduces the risk of back injury in heavy sea conditions.
