In this investigation, a number of polyurethane foam (PUF) driver seat cushions have been selected from a wide range of vehicles assembled in the U.S.A. and Canada. These driver seat cushions have been characterized with respect to both static and dynamic foam comfort. It has been determined that cushions considered good with respect to static comfort may not have the same rating when analyzed via vibrational transmissivity as a measure of dynamic comfort. The vibrational transmissivity response of various PUF chemical systems has also been examined in an attempt to measure the impact of the PUF chemistry on cushion design. This was accomplished by selecting two driver seat cushion molds, and by pouring four different chemistries into each mold. In addition to the observed effect of the PUF chemistry, the cushion design was also found to play a role in the dynamic comfort as indicated by the vibrational response. (A)
Abstract