Seat comfort evaluation method using X-ray : A case study in compact sedan

Abstract: The aim of this research is to gather driver data to determine the comfort of a car seat by analyzing the correlation between various X-ray measurement variables and the satisfaction, comfort, and support of the seat, back, and cushion. The X-ray measurement variables include the seat angle at optimal posture, C7-SVA, Backset, the distance between Hip Joint and Head Centerline, height between Hip Joint and Head Centerline, cervical lordosis angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, and lumbar lordosis angle. The study was conducted on 17 participants using the Compact Sedan car. The results of the experiment showed that overall seat satisfaction was negatively correlated with the lumbar lordosis angle (r= -0.511, p< 0.05). The satisfaction of headrest support showed a negative correlation with the seat angle at the optimal posture (r=-0.597, p< 0.05). The comfort of the headrest support was negatively correlated with the distance between the hip joint and the head centerline (r=-0.609, p<0.01), the seat angle (r=-0.511, p< 0.05), and the lumbar lordosis angle (r=-0.502, p< 0.05). Headrest support satisfaction was negatively correlated with the distance between the Hip Joint and the head centerline (r=-0.486, p<0.05). In conclusion, the X-ray data analysis confirmed musculoskeletal variables that showed a significant correlation with seat comfort. However, this study is limited to Compact Sedan seats only, and it is expected that more meaningful data can be obtained if additional research is conducted on various class seats such as hatchbacks and SUVs in the future. Additionally, the study can include L3 of the spine, L4 of the spine, Thorax Angle, and Abdomen Angle variables in the future.

Keywords: Vehicle Seat Comfort, X-ray, Seat angle, Cervical lordosis angle, Thoracic kyphosis angle

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005253

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