Abstract

Vehicle operators in a variety of industries in Québec are exposed to significant levels of whole-body vibration and intermittent shocks that can cause low-back pain and spinal degeneration. Suspension seats are thus widely used to limit operator exposure to whole-body vibration. Suspension-seat designs, however, are very similar, even though the vehicles in which they are used, and the vibrations produced, may different appreciably. As a result, vibration reduction is not optimal.

In recent years, seat manufacturers have focused on vibration reduction, adaptability to different types of vehicles and ergonomic features to make seat adjustments easier and provide greater comfort for vehicle operators. Nonetheless, specific data confirming the performances claimed by manufacturers could not be found.

The purpose of this research project is a state-of-the-art review of the technological evolution of suspension seat performances in order to build a knowledge base that could be used to develop a thematic research program to provide users with a guide for suspension seat selection.