Optimal lumbar support prediction using intereface pressure

A commercially available seat equipped height and prominence adjustment function was designed and used in the current study. 11 participants completed the experiments. Participants were asked to sit in a set of designed positions or randomly adjusted positions, the positions, and the interface pressures and subjective ratings of these positions were recorded. Four pressure variables were defined and its relationship with lumbar support positions (height and prominence) and subjective rating were surveyed. Lumbar support position was found to have significant correlation with some pressure variables. The relationship of pressure variables and subjective rating indicated, a larger interface area would lead to a better subjective rating, and drivers preferred a certain value or a certain range of average pressure, peak pressure, and peak position. Individual difference was found, which meant different participant preferred different lumber support position. And it was found that fat participants could endure larger peak pressure, and the comfort region of fat participant was distinctly different from that of slim participants. According to the result of this study, some suggestion on the lumbar support design was also listed in this paper.