Dan DamonKevin Hampton

Christine LeeShane Siwinski

ADVISOR: Professer Lin

SPONSER: General Motors

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Design an advanced, adaptive Design an advanced, adaptive driver’s seatdriver’s seat that maintains occupant safety, enhances that maintains occupant safety, enhances comfort and meets current ergonomic comfort and meets current ergonomic standards.standards.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements as provided by GM / Prof. Lin: InnovativeErgonomicAdaptiveSafe

Include PneumaticsDesigned for integration with future

advancements

RESULTING PROJECT SCOPE

Project Scope: Lumbar supportSide support Seat lengthening

option Ergonomic pan

contourDesigned for

future integration

Outside of Scope: • Safety belt • Orientation within

car• Head Rest

– Whiplash• User Interface• Automation• Sensors /

intelligence

NEED FOR PROJECT

Improve the driver’s overall experience Increased comfort

Reduces fidgeting by maintaining proper posture Reduce risk of musculoskeletal injury and

intervertebral disc degeneration Both achieved by design for proper ergonomics

Adjustable provides a sense of customization Accommodates > 95% of the adult population

Advanced features increase marketability of product

Improved benefit of long-term physical health

RESEARCH: Ergonomics

Problem: Disc Degeneration Sitting de-rotates pelvis Flattens lumbar curve

Loads intervertebral discs

Solution Prevent pelvic de-rotation Support lumbar Curve

Anthropometric data Research range of dimensions to

increase adjustablity

PRELIMINARY DESIGN

•Beam Deformation

•Pistons

•Mesh Surface

PRELIMINARY DESIGN: Flaws

Lumbar support geometry

Anticipated seat thickness (15”+)

Complex 16 pistons 24 universal joints

Material: Thermal effects? Fatigue?

Mesh tensioning

RECOMMENDED DESIGN

Adjustable Lumbar support

Adjustable Bolsters

Adjustable Pan Length

Ergonomic Pan Contour

Components: Independent Modules

LUMBAR COMPONENT

} Pneumatic bladders

Lumbar Form

Guide Rails

• Pneumatic actuation of lumbar vertical motion

•10 inch radius got lumbar curve

•Vertical range of 5 inches, 7-12 from center of lumbar form to seat pan

•Depth range of 2 inches

•Collapsible design for injury prevention

Engineering of Lumbar Components

Designing thickness for collapse

Material removed to lessen stiffness

Ribs added to strengthen lumbar surface

BOLSTER SUPPORT SYSTEM

Adjustable Provides personalized

fit for a variety of body types Range of 4.2 inches

Support for intense cornering Increases comfort

Pneumatic actuation system

PAN LENGTHENING MECHANISM

Adjustable pan length Shorter Drivers: Pan

retracts relieving pressure on popliteal fold Avoid restricting

circulation

Taller Drivers: Supports longer legs Increases sense of comfort

PAN CONTOUR

-10° anterior angle of the back of pan Prevent pelvic de-rotation Experiments conducted by Herman

Miller reported discomfort at angles from 20-30° Field testing to be conducted in future

work to assess the benefit of the 10° angle

Negative space under coccyx bone Additional relief from loading of the

lumbar vertebrae Enables joint / disc hydration

Min. 16 Max. 20

5

5° 10°

MODULAR COMPONENTS

Adjustable components increases moving parts Decreases system reliability

Modules Isolate failed subsystems Standardize seat components Improve manufacturability Decreases maintenance time, replacement costs, and

waste

• Bolster & Pan modules designed with quick disconnect latches

FUTURE ADVANCEMENT

Recommended technology for integration Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)

Origin: recovery of orthopedic surgery / injury Joints need to remain mobilized for proper hydration Use: cycle lumbar curve through subtle range of motion

Intelligent Automated Adjustment response system Benefit: provide a customized fit to occupants

Capable of accommodating 100% of the population Future Research: pressure sensors Future Development: intelligent pressure response

system