Case Study: Reduce Noise in Lumbar Systems
Background
An automotive OEM that manufactures lumbar supports approached Nye with a new lumbar assembly. The new lumbar design was to become ‘the next generation’ of lumbar support assemblies for their operations. The company needed a grease to lubricate the gears of the small actuator motors that adjust the lumbar and bolster supports on high-end power front driver and passenger seats.
Challenges
- Can the lubricant reduce cabin noise from actuators?
- Can the lubricant provide good low temperature torque?
Solution
Rheolube® 365F
A lithium soap thickened, medium viscosity, hydrocarbon grease.
- Wide temperature performance
- Medium viscosity
- Reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) as well as start-up torque
- Rust-inhibited
| Product | Chemistry | Temp Range (°C) | Starting Torque (-30˚C & -40˚C) | Running Torque 10 Mins (-30˚C & -40˚C) | Running Torque 60 Mins (-30˚C & -40˚C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHEOLUBE 365F | PAO / Lithium Soap | -45 to 125 | 384 g.cm, 826 g.cm |
153 g.cm, 321 g.cm |
120 g.cm, 294 g.cm |
Results
Tests were run on several Nye products, including full environmental life cycle testing and acoustic verification throughout the life cycle tests. The company settled upon Rheolube® 365F as it provided them sufficient performance at both low and high temperatures and an overall reduction in NVH.
