Research on Seat Static Comfort Evaluation Based on Objective Interface Pressure

The interface pressure distribution is an important indicator for evaluating the static comfort of the seat. At present, the interface pressure of a real person is acquired through testing and used in assessing the seat comfort, which has poor consistency and accuracy, and it is difficult to combine the test results of different persons to make an objective evaluation. The idea is presented to evaluate the seat static comfort by the objective interface pressure. The H-point machine (HPM) is the standard loading device which can be used to acquire the objective interface pressure. The test criterion was made, and the measurement consistency of the standard loading device passed the experimental verification. As a case study, five seats were selected to obtain the subjective rating of static comfort and the objective interface pressure data. Based on these data, the evaluation model of seat static comfort was established. The above standard loading device, the objective interface pressure test criteria, and the seat static comfort evaluation model form a comprehensive system for assessing seat static comfort. By using the system in evaluating and optimizing the studied seat and by the afterward validation, the method of evaluating the seat static comfort by the objective interface pressure illustrated reliable and accurate performance, which is easy to use and showed the good value of engineering application.