‘The Importance of Seat Cushion Design in EnergyAbsorbing Seat Systems’

摘要

The importance of seat cushion design in energyabsorbing seats is discussed. The discussioncovers two main design issues, comfort and safety.Information is given regarding basic seat cushiondesign, construction, and performance standardsused to qualify energy absorbing seat systems.Dynamic tests were performed using severaldifferent seat cushions on a modified UH-60BlackHawk seat. The seat was occupied by a 50thpercentile male anthropomorphic test device (ATD).Data presented shows how variations in seatcushions can affect the ATD occupant.Conclusions drawn from the testing are presentedalong with some warnings and designrecommendations. In particular, the sensitivity ofdynamic seat performance to seat cushion design isdemonstrated.