Title: Quantifying parameters of the seat-occupant interface during simulated low speed rear-impact collisions

Authors: Jackie D. Zehr; Kayla M. Fewster; David C. Kingston; Chad E. Gooyers; Robert J. Parkinson; Jack P. Callaghan

Addresses: Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1 ' Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1 ' College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE, 68182, USA ' Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1; Biomechanics Group, 30 Forensic Engineering, Toronto, ON, Canada ' Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1; Biomechanics Group, 30 Forensic Engineering, Toronto, ON, Canada ' Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1

Abstract: The influence of supplemental lumbar support on automobile seat surface pressures was measured during simulated rear impact collisions with human volunteers. Men and women (age = 25.4 ± 3.4 years; BMI = 25.2 ± 3.9; stature = 1.73 ± 0.06 m) experienced two low-velocity rear impact collisions. Simulated collisions with and without a lumbar support were conducted in random sequence. Using a pressure sensing mat that contained 2288 ferroresistive sensors, seatback pressure was recorded at a rate of 500 Hz. These data were used to compute the total seatback force, area of force concentration, and centre-of-force (CoF). Total seatback force was not significantly different from body mass for either men or women (≈1.2 × body mass). Average contact area of the occupant's back with the seatback (i.e., area of force concentration) was approximately 221.3 cm² and 100.1 cm² greater without supplemental lumbar support for men and women, respectively. With respect to the L₄ spinal level, the CoF had a greater vertical distance without lumbar support and a greater horizontal distance with lumbar support. In conclusion, the lumbar support used in this study altered the location and distribution of seatback forces applied to the occupant's back.

Keywords: lumbar support; rear impact; accidents; low-back injuries; pressure; lumbar spine; traffic accident; seatback force.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2021.117153

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2021 Vol.85 No.1, pp.32 - 47

Accepted: 12 May 2020
Published online: 19 Aug 2021 *

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