ERGONOMIC SEAT DESIGN

ERGONOMIC SEAT DESIGN

ABSTRACT

The advancements made in the field of technology have helped the automotive sector in last decade, which has been its key customer. Safety and comfort of the passengers has emerged as one of the prime concerns for the vehicle manufacturers due to the stringent government regulations, which are updated with time.

The paper provides a brief overview of the conditions under which the body is completely comfortable. Hence they have been taken into account while designing the seats. The proper design of seats increases the aesthetics and ergonomics of the vehicle and also add to its ability as a safety feature. The feasibility of implementation of such sophisticated seats in Indian conditions has also been gauged.

INTRODUCTION

Drivers spend a great deal of time behind the wheel and encounter a wide range of road conditions. Consequently, they are frequently exposed to shocks when their vehicles encounter irregularities. Shocks are transmitted to the driver when the seat suspension runs out of a travel, a phenomenon called as “bottoming” and “topping”. Heavy drivers who adjust the seat height away from the centre of seat travel are at increased risk of bottoming and topping. Researchers generally agree that exposure to shock increases the risk of spinal injury and lower back pain for drivers. Extremely high shock levels, such as those encountered in an accident, can cause compressive fracture of the spine, while chronic exposure to lower levels can lead to disc degeneration and lower back pain. In addition to increased health risks, drivers who experience frequent bottoming and topping report increased levels of fatigue. Topping and bottoming also presents a safety risk, as these events can cause the driver to temporarily lose control of the vehicle as his feet and hands are thrown off the pedals and steering wheel.

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