ABSTRACT
The system developed to accurately measure pressures across the entire seat surface is called a Force Sensing Array. The skin contact area has increased and severe discomfort is induced in the green areas under the ischia. The maximum sacrococcygeal load which can be sustained before inducing discomfort within 15 minutes is 0.4 psi for both males and females up to 27 years of age. To the extent that centre of gravity is maintained and correct posture maintained, the seat occupant will be more alert, comfortable and capable. The total contact seat, in addition to providing the most advantageous contours, is equipped with pneumatic devices which sense the pressures in the ischial areas and dynamically maintain a pressure level below 0.5 psi. The results of this research and development are very exciting to a seat designer since there is now a series of quantifiable parameters and design goals as well as a measurement tool to quantify them.
