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Author Xuguang Wang, Léo Savonnet , Georges Beurier & Jean Marc Obadia |
| Abstract The present work aimed to investigate the preferred pressure distribution on both seat pan and backrest cushions using a reconfigurable experimental seat and 12 inflatable air cushions. Thirty-seven male and female volunteers participated in the experiment covering a large range of variation in stature (1.51 to 1.9 m) and BMI (18.6 to 43.8 kg/m²). Twelve seating configurations were defined by the combination of 4 back angles (10°; 20°, 30° and 40° from the vertical) and 3 seat pan angles (self-selected from an initial angle of 0°, from an initial angle of 25° and the average of the two previously selected angles). Self-selected pressure distributions were highly dependent on both anthropometric and seat parameters, even for the relative pressure proportion. Results suggest that there is no unique ‘ideal’ pressure distribution for all sitters and all seats. The parametric models from the present study will be useful for optimising cushion design. |