Effect of Gender, Anthropometrics Dimensions and Pressure Distribution on Different Type of Road Surfaces

The interaction between the human body, seat and the characteristics of road surfaces plays a significant role in ensuring comfortable and safe driving experiences. Understanding this interaction is important for reducing the risk of road crashes triggered by driver fatigue and simultaneously improving road safety. There appears to be a lack of specific study into the relationship between anthropometric parameters and pressure distribution on different kinds of road surfaces over different driving periods. Hence, this study aims to investigate the relationship between anthropometric parameters and pressure distribution at different types of road surface under specific driving duration. To evaluate the pressure distribution pattern, a pressure map sensor has been placed between the lower body part and the seat pan. Pressure map sensors is one of the common evaluation methods used to identify pressure points and potential discomfort areas when a human is seated on the car seat. In addition, measurement of anthropometric dimensions was taken by using anthropometer set, goniometer and the weighing scale. The result shows that there is strong correlation between the body mass index (BMI) and the right thigh with R value is above 0.9 for both road surfaces. In addition, there is a relationship between body mass with all body parts. These findings help foster a better understanding of concentrated pressure on specific body regions caused by different road surfaces under dynamic conditions. In addition, this study contributes to improved driving comfort and safety by enhancing the design and innovation of car seats.