Enhancement of Motorcycle Seat Comfort Using 3D Mesh Cushion of Thermoplastic Elastomer

To reduce pain in buttocks while sitting on and riding a motorcycle over a long period, a 3D mesh cushion of thermoplastic elastomer (hereinafter referred to as “3D mesh cushion”) was used to develop a double layered seat cushion that would correspond to a cushioning action (the motion of the seat cushion, in response to impact from the road) and that would exhibit superior performance over time (deterioration of seat cushion). In addition, to clarify the differences in performance between the 3D mesh cushion and a conventional polyurethane foam cushion (hereinafter referred to as “foam cushion”), a ride comfort testing machine was fabricated to reproduce riding conditions, and evaluation methods were established for sensing the cushioning action of the seat in the low frequency range during comfort evaluation testing and for assessing seat cushion deterioration. The 3D mesh cushion and the foam cushion were compared using above-mentioned evaluation method. As a result, it was clarified that the cushioning action and the cushion deterioration of the 3D mesh cushion were improved, and the 3D mesh cushion effectively reduced pain in buttocks.