Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research (대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지)

The Korean Society of Medical and Biological Engineering (대한의용생체공학회)
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Evaluation of Seat Comfort and Pressure Distribution According to the Ergonomic Design of Automobile Seats

자동차 시트의 인간공학적 디자인에 따른 착좌 안락감 및 압력분포 평가

  • Halim Chung (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University) ;
  • Jun Won Choi (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University) ;
  • Seung Wan Yang (Department of Occupational Therapy, Yonsei University) ;
  • Chun Kyu Park (Hyundai Motor Company) ;
  • Do Yong Kim (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University) ;
  • Chang Hyun Song (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University) ;
  • Jong Bae Kim (Department of Occupational Therapy, Yonsei University) ;
  • Han Sung Kim (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University)
  • Received : 2023.03.23
  • Accepted : 2023.04.23
  • Published : 2023.04.30
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of developing slim seats with ergonomic design to improve seat comfort and expand the interior space. Two seats were used for the experiment: a sample seat designed based on hip shape and spinal alignment and a normal seat with a flat design without curves. Subjects sat in both the sample seat and a normal seat applied to the vehicle simulator and the experiment was conducted. The next part of the experiment was conducted in two different postures: a driving posture and a relaxed posture. The subjects filled out a comfort questionnaire immediately after sitting and after 30 minutes. The results showed that the comfort in the sample seat was found to be more comfortable than the normal seat. However, no significant difference was noted for the relaxation posture. Pressure distribution was also recorded immediately after sitting and after 30 minutes. In the case of pressure distribution, it was confirmed that the pressure in the sample seat was more evenly distributed in both the driving and relaxed postures than in the normal seat. The results showed that the ergonomically designed sample seat greatly improved seating comfort and pressure distribution compared to the normal seat, which is a general vehicle seat design.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 현대자동차 과제의 지원을 받아 수행하였음.

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