The Role of Automotive Seat Cushion Deflection in Improving Ride Comfort

Automotive seat systems function primarily in a dynamic environment. Traditionally, seat manufacturers have focused on the safety and static comfort aspects of seating. The dynamic response of a seat and its influence on ride comfort was overlooked. However, recent trends in the industry clearly suggest an increased emphasis on such diverse issues as human response to vibration, seat ride quality and the influence of seat dynamic response on auto body dynamics. Seat cushion deflection is one of the objective parameters which can be effectively utilized for improving comfort and ride quality. In this study, an attempt was made to explain the role of seat cushion deflection for improving comfort and ride quality. Further, this study highlights how various static and dynamic comfort parameters are related to the cushion deflection characteristics of the seat system.