Automotive Seating Application with the BPMS^TM System

The Body Pressure Measurement System (BPMS) is widely used to "pressure map" people sitting on automobile seats and office chairs. The information gathered provides input for improving seat designs and comfort. The system is both dynamic and very portable, so it can be just as easily used in a laboratory as in a moving automobile. GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, BMW, PSA, Volvo, Delphi, Johnson Controls, Faurecia, Magna and Steelcase are just a few of the companies using BPMS.

The images below show the dynamic inter-relationship of seat back and cushion pressure when the driver pushes on the brake pedal. A Tekscan pressure-sensing mat was placed on the seat back and cushion as shown in Figure 1(photo).

The colored image on the right shows the change in pressure distribution that occurs while applying the brakes. Note that the (red) high pressure region shifted from the buttocks to the lumbar region.

Measurements:

• Pressure map people in seats
• Seat design, research and development
• Comfort studies
• Identify pressure changes over time, measure contact area, and locate peak pressure zones
• Measure the effect of stitching, bolsters, wire stays, foam stiffness, seat angles, lumbar supports, and cover materials

Benefits

• Optimize foam stiffness and cover materials
• Select the best ergonomic positioning of driver
• Study ease of occupant ingress and egress
• Measure changes in driver's position during high activity periods and over long drives