Abstract: Assessment of sitting condition on the car seat is important as the driver requires to remain seated while maneuvering the car. The seating situation with relatively restricted position and posture can lead to discomfort and fatigue among drivers. When the driver is getting fatigue, it may reduce the performance, and hence increase the risk of road accident. Up to this date, numerous study were conducted to solve this issue. However, majority of these studies performed the study in the laboratory. Furthermore, majority of the experiment were not used the actual car and provide clear interaction between driving posture and pressure distribution pattern. Hence, this study aims to determine the onset level of driver's condition in term of discomfort rating scale and pressure distribution on the car seat under static condition by using actual car. Forty-four participants involved in this study by integrating discomfort rating assessment for the subjective evaluation and Pressure Sensor for the objective assessment. There were two main sections for subjective assessment that required the participant to provide the feedback on general discomfort level and body part discomfort while seating. Meanwhile, objective assessment used pressure map byTactilus with 32 x 32 sensor matrix. All participants were required to sit on the car seat for five minutes. Findings showed that the driver's discomfort and pressure pattern increased with time. In addition, the peak pressure distribution was found at the right buttock of the participant. Driving posture also influence the pattern of pressure distribution. This study provides a guideline for the automotive manufacturer to provide the optimal design of the car seat by maximizing the seat materials in term of quantity and quality with the highest pressure distribution levels. This adjustment can help to minimize the load concentration by providing a good pressure distribution.

Background: A good quality of seating comfort requires integration of capabilities and limitations of the human body and the occupant’s preferred posture in different seating environments and tasks. This study provides a systematic and comprehensive review of past research related to the correlation between anthropometric parameter to seat pressure variables to determine the impact on comfort and safety in seat design. Methods: This systematic review consisted of PRISMA flow diagram guidelines searched in Web of Science, Scopus, Sciencedirect and Google Scholar from 2009 till January 2020 related to keyword lists. Results: As a result, 26 articles which addressed the correlation between anthropometric parameters and pressure variables were selected. Body mass index and weight were the most influence anthropometric parameter towards the pressure variables. In addition, almost all studies showed that there were medium to strong correlation between the lower body parts and the pressure variables, with R as above 0.5. Conclusion: Comfort and safety depend on the design and ergonomics of the seat to maintain the body posture under complex roads, driving conditions and changing environment. In essence, seat and geometry functions help to reduce fatigue level and improve comfort, safety and health among drivers based on user, task and environment of driving activities.

The design optimisation of car seats is vital in ensuring comfort and safety whilst driving. The main aim of this study is to determine the relationship between anthropometric parameters, interface pressure on car seats and driver’s safety in a preferred driving position. A pressure-map sensor was used to identify the pressure patterns on the car seat. Results indicate significant relationships were found between interface pressure of car seat and certain anthropometrics dimension. A strong correlation was established amongst body mass, body mass index and interface pressure at certain body parts, with r of nearly 0.50. Majority of the anthropometric dimensions and interface pressure show medium correlations between 0.31 and 0.49. The established relationship helps to estimate the perceived comfort and safety related to the car seat design. Hence, this guideline can help to prevent driver’s fatigue by considering the elements of anthropometrics and interface pressure in the car seat design.