Designing a Shaped Seat-Pan Cushion to Improve Postural (Dis)comfort Reducing Pressure Distribution and Increasing Contact Area at the Interface

Abstract

Remaining seated for extended periods increases the risk health issues and discomfort perception. Consequently, the seat-pan design is crucial and could be mainly influenced by two factors: pressure distribution and seat contour. For seat pan discomfort, the lower average pressure is accompanied by less discomfort. Moreover, a seat contour with a large contact area is correlated with more comfort. Thus, a shaped cushion had been accurately designed (Virtual Prototype) and realized (Physical Prototype) aiming to translate the pressure distribution due to interaction between seat and buttock in a geometric shape, suitable for the international population (including P5 females and P95 males). With this shape, the pressure should be more uniform and lower, the contact area at interface bigger, and the perceived comfort higher. Both Virtual and Physical Prototype design had been described in this paper through a repeatable and straightforward approach. Also, experiments had been performed to validate the hypothesis through a comparison with a standard flat cushion. Results showed the goal of the design had been reached: the shaped cushion scored less pressure distribution and higher contact area than the flat cushion.

Efficacy of auxetic lattice structured shoe sole in advancing footwear comfort—From the perspective of plantar pressure and contact area

“…In ergonomics-related research, the relationship between the contact area of body-touching parts and subjective comfort ratings is frequently discussed, particularly in the context of products such as seat cushions ( 26 , 27 ), exoskeletons ( 28 ), and pillows ( 29 ). Goonetilleke ( 30 ) posited that within the maximum pressure tolerance range, the contact area of a region correlates positively with perceived comfort.…”

Influences of cushion contour on passenger comfort and interface pressure in high-speed train

“…For high-speed trains, the main task of mass travel, to meet the majority of people riding comfort for the purpose, it is difficult to do personalized design. Fiorillo et al [ 20 ] point out that seat-pan design is crucial and could be mainly influenced by two factors: pressure distribution and seat contour. de Mare et al [ 7 ] found that contoured seating bases can provide increased comfort and improved pressure distribution over flat seating bases.…”