IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Factors affecting vibration absorption by a seat equipped with a suspension system

Abstract

Seats equipped with some sort of suspension system are used with increasing frequency to eliminate the ill-effects of shocks and vibrations suffered by vehicle operators. An understanding of the effects of equipment settings, the nature of the vibration, and the conductor on the effectiveness of vibration attenuation in seats equipped with suspension systems is clearly necessary.

The first stage of the research will involve the development of a driver's workstation simulator. The stimulator will then be used to study the effects of vertical vibration on a driver sitting in a seat equipped with a suspension system. The behaviour of the suspension system and seat will be analyzed as a function of different types and intensities of vibration, different settings of the suspension system, and different operators. The results of the trials will be used to develop a predictive model of optimal seat conditions. These results can be used to establish performance criteria for any given seat.

The study's results will help users select seats equipped with suspension systems. They will also facilitate the design of suspension-equipped seats which effectively control vibration, particularly vibrations at frequencies to which the body is particularly sensitive and which cause back disorders.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0091-0120
Status: Completed
Team:
  • Subhash Rakheja (Université Concordia)
  • Paul-Émile Boileau (IRSST)