If you're immersed in quality control in the automotive industry, you know how important it is to safeguard the excellence of every component of a vehicle. Today we will focus on a component that, despite its apparent simplicity, is essential to saving lives: the seat belt. SQAs (Supplier Quality Assurance) and SQE (Supplier Quality Engineers) have an immense challenge when it comes to ensuring that this device works flawlessly.

According  to the World Health Organization (WHO), seat belts  reduce the likelihood of death in an accident by 45% to 50%. Shocking, isn't it? However, the inspection and quality assurance process for these devices is more complex than it seems.

1. Material and Durability: Choosing the right material for the belt is paramount. It should not only be sturdy, but also comfortable for the user. In addition, it must have the ability to withstand the challenges of time and constant use. Quality engineers, working directly with production, often need to validate that the material used meets international standards and is free of defects.

2. Locking Mechanisms: One of the biggest challenges an SQA faces is ensuring that the locking mechanism is working properly. One fault here and the belt may not do its job at a critical time. According to a report  by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the consequences of not having a seat belt can end in fatal injuries, hence the importance of ensuring this safety component.

3. Integration with Electronic Systems: Nowadays the modern vehicles that are being produced are fully connected to each other. The belts, in many high-end models, are synchronized with electronic systems to, for example, alert when they are not fastened. This adds another layer of complexity to the inspection.

4. Changing Regulations: Safety standards evolve, and with them, belt specifications. For SQAs and SQEs, being up-to-date with these regulations, which may vary by country or region, is essential.

5. Stress tests: Simulating the conditions of an accident is an indispensable part of the stress tests that the vehicle must pass. Seat belts are subjected to extreme forces and specific speeds to ensure they can withstand an impact without breaking and adequately protect vehicle occupants.

Don't forget that every detail of seat belts must be scrutinized precisely, from the strength of the materials to the quality of the seams. This process ensures that seat belts seamlessly meet the most rigorous safety standards. While for most passengers they may seem like simple accessories, for us in the automotive quality industry, they represent a constant challenge and an immense responsibility.

Flexibility in our solutions

PTI QCS is the strategic ally that every SQA and SQE needs. Our in-depth knowledge of the industry, combined with the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, allows us to take the inspection of components, including seat belts, to the next level. Not only do we ensure that each component meets the highest standards of quality and safety, but we also offer customized solutions, based on the specific needs of each project.

With more than two decades of experience in the automotive market, PTI QCS has established itself as the first choice for those seeking excellence in inspection and quality control, we are supported by OEMs to work on CS1 and CS2, as well as L1 and L2. We offer an agile approach, anticipating problems and providing innovative solutions to ensure vehicles not only meet, but exceed safety and quality expectations. If you are looking to perfect your processes and ensure maximum safety in your products, at PTI QCS we are your ideal partner in this journey towards automotive excellence.

Fail-safe seat belts? Quality Engineering makes it possible