Driver Seat Lumbar Support Adjustments System Design Based on Ergonomics Principles

Article Preview

Abstract:

As a typical man-machine interface, vehicle driver seat directly affects driver seating and riding comfort. Lumbar support of driver seat plays a particularly important role in improving driver seating and riding comfort and is usually realized by installing adjustable lumbar support, which provides stable, comfortable support for drivers with different body sizes. Traditional lumbar support has several shortcomings, such as complex structure, high cost, insufficient adjustments ranges, etc. In this work, forward design method of lumbar support with adequate design confidence level was developed, with four-way electric adjustments system. Firstly, lumbar support adjustments ranges was analyzed according to ergonomic principles. Then the concept of lumbar support adjustments mechanism was designed and the parameters of adjustments mechanism were determined including the length and angle ranges of parts, motor and spring parameters, etc. Finally, with consideration of product processing technology and manufacturing cost requirements, detailed lumbar support adjustments system structure was determined. The validated system structure parts were produced and assembled into a prototype. The prototype was tested and accepted, which showed that not only the lumbar support system met the design requirements well, but also the forward design method presented was scientific and reasonable.

You might also be interested in these eBooks

Info:

Periodical:

Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 753-755)

Pages:

1633-1639

Citation:

Online since:

August 2013

Export:

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Permissions PLS:

Сopyright:

© 2013 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

[1] Zhenghua Wang, Fan Yu and Dejun Zhuang. Subjective and Objective Evaluation of Car Seat Comfort (in Chinese). Automotive Engineering, Beijing, Vol. 28-9 (2006), pp.818-819.

Google Scholar

[2] Raphael Zenk and Christian Mergl. Predicting Overall Seating Discomfort Based on Body Area Ratings [J]. SAE Technical Paper, No. 010346, (2007).

DOI: 10.4271/2007-01-0346

Google Scholar

[3] Peter Wawrow. Lumbar Support Prominence and Vertical Position Measurement Methods in an Occupied Seat [J]. SAE Technical Paper, No. 011300, (2006).

DOI: 10.4271/2006-01-1300

Google Scholar

[4] Hiroshi Okiyama. Objective Evaluation of Seat Lateral Support for Cornering [J]. SAE Technical Paper, No. 010387, (2001).

DOI: 10.4271/2001-01-0387

Google Scholar

[5] Hyung Yun Choi. Challenge of Lumbar Support Design Using Human Body Models [J]. SAE Technical Paper, No. 011860, (2008).

Google Scholar

[6] Shields, R.K. Lumbar Support Thickness: Effect on Seated Buttock Pressure in Individuals With and Without Spinal Cord Injury. Physical Therapy. Vol. 72-3(1992), pp.218-226.

DOI: 10.1093/ptj/72.3.218

Google Scholar

[7] Jianxiong Lu, Fuchang Zhang and Limin Shen. Ergonomic Discussion on Posture and Seat Design (in Chinese). Ergonomics, Vol. 12-11(2005), pp.44-46.

Google Scholar

[8] Jindong Ren, Vehicle Ergonomics (in Chinese). Peking University Press, Beijing, Vol. 182(2010), p.19.

Google Scholar

[9] National Institute of Standardization in China (in Chinese). GB10000-Chinese Adult Body Size [S], China Standard Press, Beijing, (1988).

Google Scholar

[10] David A. Johnson. Analysis of Possible Lower Lumbar Strains Caused by the Structural Properties of Automobile Seats. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Vol. 0161-4754(2001).

DOI: 10.1067/mmt.2001.118984

Google Scholar