Innovation grant puts spring into automotive project

A grant from Innovate UK has put further spring into the step of manufacturer Spinks as it looks to accelerate progress within the automotive sector.

Spinks is the innovation hub of Leeds-based mattress manufacturer Harrison Spinks and is working on a £450,000 project to introduce the use of its spring technology to automotive seating.

Darren Marcangelo, managing director at Spinks, said: “The transportation sector is an incredibly exciting space for us, and we are already working with some of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers.

“There’s a huge amount of potential for our spring technology, and we hope to investigate wider sectors including aviation, buses and trains in the future.”

Spinks is working with Worcestershire firm AHD Design, which specialises in designing seats for vehicles.

“The Innovate UK project could be a fundamental step change in the way seating could be approached,” said Mark Pilling, director at AHD Design.

“It is not without some engineering challenges, but it has the potential to create a minor revolution in seating design that will create an evolving reduction in the seat weight and environmental impact of the seating at its end of life.”

The project will look to implement a range of spring technologies, instead of foam, creating a final prototype for external testing. It is hoped the innovations could also be used on trains and aeroplanes.

Marcangelo added: “The opportunities for the rail industry are also a focus, as the reduction in flammability and toxicity of the smoke will allow underground rail travel to become safer worldwide. For the aerospace industry where, in addition, weight is key, there will also be a significant benefit.”