Pattern of Pressure Distribution on the Car Seat Under Static Condition and Its Relationship with Driving Posture

Abstract

Abstract: Assessment of sitting condition on the car seat is important as the driver requires to remain seated while maneuvering the car. The seating situation with relatively restricted position and posture can lead to discomfort and fatigue among drivers. When the driver is getting fatigue, it may reduce the performance, and hence increase the risk of road accident. Up to this date, numerous study were conducted to solve this issue. However, majority of these studies performed the study in the laboratory. Furthermore, majority of the experiment were not used the actual car and provide clear interaction between driving posture and pressure distribution pattern. Hence, this study aims to determine the onset level of driver's condition in term of discomfort rating scale and pressure distribution on the car seat under static condition by using actual car. Forty-four participants involved in this study by integrating discomfort rating assessment for the subjective evaluation and Pressure Sensor for the objective assessment. There were two main sections for subjective assessment that required the participant to provide the feedback on general discomfort level and body part discomfort while seating. Meanwhile, objective assessment used pressure map byTactilus with 32 x 32 sensor matrix. All participants were required to sit on the car seat for five minutes. Findings showed that the driver's discomfort and pressure pattern increased with time. In addition, the peak pressure distribution was found at the right buttock of the participant. Driving posture also influence the pattern of pressure distribution. This study provides a guideline for the automotive manufacturer to provide the optimal design of the car seat by maximizing the seat materials in term of quantity and quality with the highest pressure distribution levels. This adjustment can help to minimize the load concentration by providing a good pressure distribution.

Car seat impact on driver’s sitting behavior and perceived discomfort during prolonged real driving on varied road types

“…The main objective of this study was to define drivers’ sitting behavior and perceptions of discomfort when using different seats under real prolonged driving conditions on a variety of road types. Our results confirm previous findings of an effect from foam hardness on contact pressure and pressure distribution [ 34 , 35 ]. The firmest of the seats tested here (S 2 ) led to higher CP and SPD% than the soft seat (S 1 ) and the seat with a suspension system (S 3 ).…”

Influence of car seat firmness on seat pressure profiles and perceived discomfort during prolonged simulated driving

“…Our protocol enabled us to analyze such parameters according to time and type of road, using a reproducible simulated driving task in a controlled environment. The overall results show that seat foam softness resulted in a different pressure distribution during driving, reflected in the pressure parameters, as already demonstrated by several authors (Khamis et al, 2019;Porter et al, 2003). The SPD% values found here show that S1 provided greater uniformity of pressure distribution by reducing pressure concentration under buttocks and thighs over a greater contact surface, as compared to S 2 .…”

“…This is likely related to the ergonomic characteristics of S 1 and S 2 cushions. Khamis et al (2019) explained that seat pan length could alter pressure distribution between thighs and buttocks, which could affect blood circulation in the legs. Moreover for both seats, there was also asymmetry between the buttocks, with higher CP and greater CS under the left buttock.…”

Driving Behavior during Takeover Request of Autonomous Vehicle: Effect of Driver Postures

“…There have been tests of driver reaction times in different road conditions and in different situations, and studies on the effect of driver eye movements on reaction time [ 14 , 15 ]. There are also studies on driver posture [ 16 , 17 ]. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between driver posture and driver reaction time.…”