Automotive Seating Application
with the BPMSTM 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).
Click on any image below to launch a sample seating pressure movie.
The colored image on the left shows the pressure distribution of the driver as he prepares to apply the brakes.
The (red) elevated pressure on his right buttock is a result of lifting his right foot.
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.
Graph shows peak pressure of back and seat over time as brakes were applied
BPMS can be used with the #5330 (CONFORMat), the #5315, the #5400N, or the #5350 sensors. Our highly qualified sales and engineering support team
can help configure each system to best meet your specific needs.
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
Typical sensors used in this application
Visit our Sensor Catalog to browse our sensors.
