Concepts for the reduction of the discomfort generated by the prolonged static posture during the driving task, part II: Experiments and validations

- This paper outlines a participatory design approach, which involves end-users.
- This paper investigates the effect of dynamic movement of the backrest angle on the seat pressure distribution.
- This paper investigates the effect of dynamic movement of the backrest angle on the discomfort level.
- This paper investigates the effect of dynamic movement of the backrest angle on the number of macro repositioning movement.
- This paper investigates the effect of dynamic movement of the backrest angle on the driving accuracy.

The Prolonged Static Posture (PSP)i is among the leading causes of discomfort generated during car driving. The focus of our study is the founding of new design parameters of the car seats that might reduce the effects of the discomfort generated from the PSP. This paper aims to validate the work introduced in a companion paper (Concepts for the reduction of the discomfort generated from Prolonged Static Posture during the car-driving tasks. Part I: Basic theories and concepts) where the main characteristics of the design were presented, using axiomatic and participatory design approaches. A finite element model was developed, a prototype was built and a focus group was made to evaluate the new design function introduced in the previous study: “Dynamic commutation of the backrest angle during the car driving task” in terms of safety and discomfort reduction. The results of the exploratory study show a decrease in the amount of the discomfort level, and the number of macro reposition movement during the swing movement of the backrest angle compared to the ordinary case (static posture).Relevance to industryThis paper may assist the improvement of the design aspects of the car seats that consequently leads to a reduction of the musculoskeletal injuries caused by the Prolonged Static Posture during the driving task.