Measuring of pressure forces in sitting

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Ergonomics
• Human Factors Engineering
• Seat Design and Pressure Analysis

Background:

• Understanding pressure distribution in seating is crucial for preventing discomfort and potential tissue damage.
• Previous studies have explored seat pressure but lacked a refined analytical approach to specific angle impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine seating pressure distribution using a novel analytical system.
• To identify optimal backrest and seat angles for physiological pressure distribution.
• To inform the design of contoured and upholstered seats for enhanced user comfort and safety.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a new analytical system to test pressure areas in seats.
• Examined pressure distribution at various backrest seat angles, focusing on 90 and 110 degrees.
• Analyzed the definition and transition of high, medium, and low pressure zones.

Main Results:

• Clearly defined pressure areas below the ischial tuberosities were observed specifically at 90 and 110-degree backrest seat angles.
• Sharp transitions between high and medium pressure zones occurred at these angles.
• Anterior positions and larger angles resulted in fluent transitions and absence of high pressure zones.

Conclusions:

• The pressure distribution pattern at 90 and 110 degrees is physiological and aligns with human body pressure tolerance.
• Maintaining this specific pressure pattern is essential for the principal design of contoured and upholstered seats.
• The findings provide critical data for optimizing ergonomic seat design.