Development of Automobile Seat Comfort Estimation Models based on Polyurethane Foam

Abstract

Objective: The present study is intended to identify the material properties of PU foam through reviews of journal papers and technical documents and develop regression models to estimate seat comfort based on the material properties of PU foam. Background: Automobile seat comfort is affected by the shape and size of the seat and its location in the driving workstation as well as the material properties of polyurethane foam (PU foam) and seat cover. Method: A total of 16 material properties of PU foam were identified in the present study, the PU foam property data were extracted using the stress-strain curve data of 28 seats, and outliers were identified. Then, the regression models of seat comfort were constructed by applying the stepwise regression technique to the PU form and seat comfort data. Results: The adjusted coefficients of determination (adj. R2) of the seat comfort regression models were found 7.7% to 89.4%. Conclusion: An Excel-based seat comfort estimation system consisting of the input of PU foam factors, the estimation of seat comfort, the addition of new stress-strain data, and the update of seat comfort regression models was developed to efficiently apply the developed seat comfort estimation models to the design of PU foam. Application: The seat comfort estimation models developed in the present study would be of use to determine the material properties of PU foam for better seat comfort.