Abstract: A method for determining seat comfort includes the steps of measuring pressure distribution over a seat surface using a pressure sensing system, measuring an actual deformation of the seat surface using a deformation sensing system, and computing a value of seat comfort on the basis of the measured actual deformation of the seat surface and the measured pressure distribution of the seat surface. Apparatus for determining seat comfort includes a pressure sensing system for measuring a pressure distribution on a seat surface, a deformation sensory system for measuring an actual deformation of the seat surface, and an evaluation unit for computing seat comfort from the measured pressure distribution and the measured deformation of the seat surface.

Abstract: A method for determining an evaluation number which is representative of the quality of the dynamic sitting comfort of upholstered seat elements of a vehicle seat. A flexible measuring mat is applied to the upholstered seat element in a defined position and a matrix, which covers the surface, of force measuring sensors which operate without hysteresis is integrated into said measuring mat. A test person or a test body which behaves anthropomorphically in terms of oscillation is positioned on the vehicle seat. In order to carry out a measurement, this body/seat system is excited so as to oscillate, for example by traveling over a bad stretch of road. The signals supplied by the force measuring sensors are added with the same phase to form a composite signal. The frequency response of the body/seat system is determined from this composite signal.

Abstract: A method and a system for quantitative determination of the seat climate of a seat cushion is provided. For this purpose, the seat surface is subjected, during realistic mechanical loading of the seat cushion to be tested, to a flow of moisture from a climate mat. Any moisture stagnation at the seat surface is measured. For this purpose, the seat cushion, covered with a flexible multilayer climate mat, is loaded realistically via an anthropomorphically shaped seat testing punch. The climate mat consists of the following layers: a plurality of flat moisture sensors; a trouser material layer with low moisture uptake; a distribution layer that is readily permeable to air and has a noncompressible structure; a fleece layer that can be moistened and replaced as the moisture storage medium; an electrically insulating vapor barrier; and an electrically heatable heating mat that can be set to a specific temperature.

Abstract: A seat testing punch is provided with an upholstered pressure element that can be used as a suitable aid in comfort comparison testing of different test seats to be performed according to strict test criteria, with which seat testing punch various test seats can be loaded in a realistic and reproducible manner as often or for as long as desired. For this purpose, the shape of the pressure element is made to simulate the pelvis and thighs, including the hip joints, of a human skeleton, at least as regards the underside. The upholstery of the pressure element likewise simulates anthropomorphically the soft parts in the area of the buttocks in terms of local distribution of thickness and softness. In particular, the two sitting pressure points of human buttocks and their immediate environment are simulated as naturally as possible in terms of shape, position, hardness, and local hardness distribution.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the surface contour of an elastic seat cushion deformable under load are provided. Through the use of a measuring mat placed on the seat cushion, after the load is relieved, the resultant deformed state corresponding to the deformed surface of the cushion is preserved by applying a vacuum to the measuring mat. The three-dimensional surface contour of the measuring mat fixed in its deformed state is measured with a multicoordinate measuring device in known fashion. The measuring mat consists of two vacuum-tight material webs, especially plastic films, connected vacuum-tight with one another to form a pocket having a vacuum connection, with the pocket being filled with a granulate, preferably a foam granulate.

Abstract: A device for actuating a safety device, in particular a roll bar in a motor vehicle. The device includes a first sensor which is actuated when a vehicle acceleration exceeding a predetermined limiting value occurs and which generates a switch signal for a release device to activate the roll bar. The device also includes second and third sensors which control switches when both at least one wheel suspension is fully extended and the vehicle is tilted about either a longitudinal or transverse axis, so as to actuate the safety device during even relatively slow overturns.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anatomical model, particularly a dummy, for simulating the effect of an accident on the human body. The model is provided with a skeleton. In the area of the thorax, the skeleton is formed by a plurality of spring rib members that simulate human ribs. Each of the spring rib members is equipped with sensor device which senses a force that affects each individual spring rib member.