Evaluation of Agricultural Tractor Seat Comfort with a New Protocol Based on Pressure Distribution Assessment

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bordignon ◽  
Maurizio Cutini ◽  
Carlo Bisaglia ◽  
Paolo Taboga ◽  
Francesco Marcolin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Static Condition ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Comfort Index ◽  
Seat Comfort ◽  
Ground Condition ◽  
Agricultural Tractor

Abstract. Professional drivers have been found to be at a high risk of developing low back pain due to prolonged sitting and vehicle vibration. In a previous survey carried out on 1,155 tractor drivers, tractor vibration and/or incorrect posture while driving were found to cause low back disorders in more than 80% of the interviewed drivers. In this context, the present research introduces a new evaluation protocol to assess the ergonomic characteristics of agricultural tractor seats through the use of pressure sensors, taking into account both static and dynamic conditions. The degree of comfort was defined by analyzing the pressure distribution exerted by a sample of 12 drivers sitting on two seats in five different operating conditions. The pressure distribution values thus obtained were compared with the corresponding pressures recorded with the 12 drivers sitting on a reference seat (rigid seat, backrest, and suspension) designed for the purpose. From the comparison, it was possible to define a comfort index (CI) that allowed an objective assessment of the two seats. Statistical analysis showed that the CIs of the two seats were significantly different in all five operating conditions. Moreover, the two seats showed different CIs as a function of the operating condition. Although less comfortable, one seat showed almost constant CI values in all five operating conditions. Conversely, the other seat showed a progressively decreasing CI from the static condition to the uneven ground condition. Keywords: Comfort index, Occupational diseases, Pressure distribution, Safety.

scholarly journals Pattern of Pressure Distribution on the Car Seat Under Static Condition and Its Relationship with Driving Posture

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 4189-4194
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Static Condition ◽  
Body Part ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Road Accident ◽  
Car Seat ◽  
Driving Posture

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 by Tactilus 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

scholarly journals Integration of 3D Printed Flexible Pressure Sensors into Physical Interfaces for Wearable Robots

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2157
Author(s):  
Kevin Langlois ◽  
Ellen Roels ◽  
Gabriël Van De Velde ◽  
Cláudia Espadinha ◽  
Christopher Van Vlerken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Capacitive Pressure Sensor ◽  
Upper Arm ◽  
Seamless Integration ◽  
Dynamic Task ◽  
Wearable Robots ◽  
3D Printed

Sensing pressure at the physical interface between the robot and the human has important implications for wearable robots. On the one hand, monitoring pressure distribution can give valuable benefits on the aspects of comfortability and safety of such devices. Additionally, on the other hand, they can be used as a rich sensory input to high level interaction controllers. However, a problem is that the commercial availability of this technology is mostly limited to either low-cost solutions with poor performance or expensive options, limiting the possibilities for iterative designs. As an alternative, in this manuscript we present a three-dimensional (3D) printed flexible capacitive pressure sensor that allows seamless integration for wearable robotic applications. The sensors are manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, which provides benefits in terms of versatility of design and implementation. In this study, a characterization of the 3D printed sensors in a test-bench is presented after which the sensors are integrated in an upper arm interface. A human-in-the-loop calibration of the sensors is then shown, allowing to estimate the external force and pressure distribution that is acting on the upper arm of seven human subjects while performing a dynamic task. The validation of the method is achieved by means of a collaborative robot for precise force interaction measurements. The results indicate that the proposed sensors are a potential solution for further implementation in human–robot interfaces.

scholarly journals Dynamic flight load measurements with MEMS pressure sensors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Raab ◽  
Kai Rohde-Brandenburger
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Flight Test ◽  
Measurement Technology ◽  
Test Program ◽  
Aerodynamic Pressure ◽  
Pressure Distributions ◽  
Time Histories ◽  
Mems Pressure Sensors

AbstractThe determination of structural loads plays an important role in the certification process of new aircraft. Strain gauges are usually used to measure and monitor the structural loads encountered during the flight test program. However, a time-consuming wiring and calibration process is required to determine the forces and moments from the measured strains. Sensors based on MEMS provide an alternative way to determine loads from the measured aerodynamic pressure distribution around the structural component. Flight tests were performed with a research glider aircraft to investigate the flight loads determined with the strain based and the pressure based measurement technology. A wing glove equipped with 64 MEMS pressure sensors was developed for measuring the pressure distribution around a selected wing section. The wing shear force determined with both load determination methods were compared to each other. Several flight maneuvers with varying loads were performed during the flight test program. This paper concentrates on the evaluation of dynamic flight maneuvers including Stalls and Pull-Up Push-Over maneuvers. The effects of changes in the aerodynamic flow characteristics during the maneuver could be detected directly with the pressure sensors based on MEMS. Time histories of the measured pressure distributions and the wing shear forces are presented and discussed.

Experimental Inverstigations On the Pressure Fluctuations in the Sealing Gap of Dry Gas Seals with Embedded Pressure Sensors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingjing Luo ◽  
Dieter Brillert
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Static Pressure ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Mechanical Seals ◽  
Process Gas ◽  
Sealing Gap

Abstract Dry gas lubricated non-contacting mechanical seals (DGS), most commonly found in centrifugal compressors, prevent the process gas flow into the atmosphere. Especially when high speed is combined with high pressure, DGS is the preferred choice over other sealing alternatives. In order to investigate the flow field in the sealing gap and to facilitate the numerical prediction of the seal performance, a dedicated test facility is developed to carry out the measurement of key parameters in the gas film. Gas in the sealing film varies according to the seal inlet pressure, and the thickness of gas film depends on this fluctuated pressure. In this paper, the test facility, measurement methods and the first results of static pressure measurements in the sealing gap of the DGS obtained in the described test facility are presented. An industry DGS with three-dimensional grooves on the surface of the rotating ring, where experimental investigations take place, is used. The static pressure in the gas film is measured, up to 20 bar and 8,100 rpm, by several high frequency ultraminiature pressure transducers embedded into the stationary ring. The experimental results are discussed and compared with the numerical model programmed in MATLAB, the characteristic and magnitude of which have a good agreement with the numerical simulations. It suggests the feasibility of measuring pressure profiles of the standard industry DGS under pressurized dynamic operating conditions without altering the key components of the seal and thereby affecting the seal performance.

ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH OF ADJUSTABILITY OF EQUIPMENT FOR INTERNAL SMALL-SIZED THREADING

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 93-99
Author(s):  
A.O. KHARCHENKO ◽  
A.A. KHARCHENKO
Keyword(s):  
Flexible Manufacturing ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Transition Probabilities ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Automated Production ◽  
Processing Modes ◽  
Aided Design

The article presents the results of analysis and theoretical research in the direction of improving equipment for internal threading of parts in a flexible automated production. Methods for assessing the flexibility and readjustability of equipment are considered, which can be used as the basis for the developed methodology for the synthesis of technological elements of modules in conditions of computer-aided design. It is proposed to consider the technological system of the flexible manufacturing module (FMM) of threading, as a system in which transitions from state to state occur under the action of the simplest flows with the parameters of the transition probabilities of a continuous Markov chain. The developed mathematical model, which describes the states of a FMM, taking into account the readjustment of its technological elements, makes it possible to reflect the influence on the operation of the module of the parameters of applications for the changeover of processing modes, a tool, a power threading head, basic elements of a machine tool, a device, a loading device. The structure of the model and the labeled graph of the states of the system can be improved as the number of parameters and characteristics is refined. The solution of the resulting system of equations of final probabilities using the normalization condition allows for given (or experimentally obtained) intensities of arrival and service of changeover requests for FMM of threading, to obtain the values of the probability of non-changeover operation, as well as the probabilities of finding the system in an inoperative state due to the corresponding changeovers. For complete information and an objective assessment of the preferred option for use in FMS conditions, it is also necessary to take into account the stochastic processes occurring in the system under real operating conditions.

scholarly journals Strong Azimuthal Combustion Instabilities in a Spray Annular Chamber With Intermittent Partial Blow-Off

2017 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Prieur ◽  
Daniel Durox ◽  
Thierry Schuller ◽  
Sébastien Candel
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Transverse Velocity ◽  
Pressure Fluctuations ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Nodal Line ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Acoustic Energy ◽  
Transverse Motion ◽  
Azimuthal Mode

This article reports experiments carried out in the MICCA-spray combustor developed at EM2C laboratory. This system comprises 16 swirl spray injectors. Liquid n-heptane is injected by simplex atomizers. The combustion chamber is formed by two cylindrical quartz tubes allowing full optical access to the flame region and it is equipped with 12 pressure sensors recording signals in the plenum and chamber. A high-speed camera provides images of the flames and photomultipliers record the light intensity from different flames. For certain operating conditions, the system exhibits well defined instabilities coupled by the first azimuthal mode of the chamber at a frequency of 750 Hz. These instabilities occur in the form of bursts. Examination of the pressure and the light intensity signals gives access to the acoustic energy source term. Analysis of the phase fluctuations between the two signals is carried out using cross-spectral analysis. At limit cycle, large pressure fluctuations of 5000 Pa are reached, and these levels persist over a finite period of time. Analysis of the signals using the spin ratio indicates that the standing mode is predominant. Flame dynamics at the pressure antinodal line reveals a strong longitudinal pulsation with heat release rate oscillations in phase and increasing linearly with the acoustic pressure for every oscillation levels. At the pressure nodal line, the flames are subjected to large transverse velocity fluctuations leading to a transverse motion of the flames and partial blow-off. Scenarios and modeling elements are developed to interpret these features.

scholarly journals Pressure sensing and control of an aircraft passenger seat

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel H. Campos
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Pressure Sensing ◽  
Surface Change ◽  
Passenger Seat ◽  
Seat Comfort ◽  
And Control ◽  
High Surface Pressure

The premise of this work is to address aircraft seat comfort. This thesis presents the development of an automatic morphing backrest used to reduce pressure experienced by the passenger from the seat. Uncomfortable, high surface pressure zones on the backrest can be alleviated by decentralizing the occupant’s weight. The improved pressure distribution is intended to decrease discomfort during flight while taking different comfort/discomfort models into consideration. Pressure distribution data from the embedded sensor mat is used to compute the seat’s cushion deflection and corresponding backrest contour caused by the passenger’s weight. The surfaces of interest - the passenger’s back and the seat, are modelled and discretized. The discretized surface contact pressure is integrated into the hyperelastic contact model to determine the loading profile. From this, the current pressure distribution and the cushion’s surface change are computed and used in the control system to create the corresponding actuation of the surface.

Computer system for metrological testing of location sensors used to monitor the patient's condition in magnetotherapy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.G. Gurzhin ◽  
V.L. Nguyen ◽  
A.V. Shulyakov
Keyword(s):  
Personal Computer ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Metrological Certification ◽  
Linear Displacement ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Virtual Device ◽  
The Law

Non-contact monitoring of vital signs of a person is a reliable and safe way of promptly obtaining objective diagnostic information about the current physiological state of a patient during surgical operations, physiotherapeutic procedures or during sleep. The absence of direct contact of the sensors with the patient's body makes it possible to exclude the influence of a number of interfering factors, such as a violation or weakening of contact, which can lead to a deterioration in the quality of signals from the output of the sensors, a long-term location of the sensors on the body can have a psychological effect on the patient, changing his condition and thereby distorting the treatment method, etc. In order for the results of monitoring and diagnostics to be reliable and guaranteed accurate, it is necessary to carry out periodic metrological certification of location sensors, especially since many of them are of foreign production and their characteristics are either not standardized or do not meet the requirements of their operating conditions. Therefore, the tasks of developing methods and means for carrying out metrological tests of non-contact sensors for medical purposes are becoming urgent. Purpose – to show the possibility of implementing automated metrological tests of location sensors for medical use based on a personal computer and publicly available standard hardware and software. A method has been developed and implemented for conducting metrological tests of location sensors based on a personal computer, a digital dynamic measure of linear displacement, virtual measuring instruments, laser and ultrasonic sensors, as well as determining conversion errors in the LabVIEW environment. As an exemplary measuring instrument, it is proposed to use a webcam with a virtual device for recording the law of displacement in the LabVIEW Vison Development application. Full-scale experiments have been carried out, in which, using a digital measure of linear displacement, it is possible to reproduce with high accuracy almost any law of displacement and to regulate its informative parameters. Real movement signals were received with the help of virtual devices, recorded by two location sensors and a web camera. The errors of the means of registration are determined in comparison with the given digital method and analytically the law of movement. Introduction of the developed method and hardware and software for metrological certification of sensors of diagnostic channels of the systems of complex magnetotherapy «Multimag» and «Relaxmag». Carrying out automated metrological tests of sensors will ensure prompt, reliable and objective control of their actual characteristics, which means it will increase the effectiveness of treatment due to the prompt and continuous monitoring of the patient's functional state and an objective assessment of a number of important indicators.

CAE Correlation of Sealing Pressure of a Press-in-Place Gasket

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Pressure ◽  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Load Condition ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Local Pressure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pad Test ◽  
Sealing Pressure

The Press-in-Place (PIP) gasket is a static face seal with self-retaining feature, which is used for the mating surfaces of engine components to maintain the reliability of the closed system under various operating conditions. Its design allows it to provide enough contact pressure to seal the internal fluid as well as prevent mechanical failures. Insufficient sealing pressure will lead to fluid leakage, consequently resulting in engine failures. A test fixture was designed to simulate the clamp load and internal pressure condition on a gasket bolted joint. A Sensor pad using TEKSCAN equipment was used to capture the overall and local pressure distribution of the PIP gasket under various engine loading conditions. Then, the Sensor pad test results were compared with simulated CAE results from computer models. Through the comparisons, it is found that the gasket sealing pressure of test data and CAE data show good correlation for bolt load condition 500N when compared to internal pressure side load condition of 0.138 MPa & 0.276 MPa. Moreover, the gasket cross-sectional pressure distribution obtained by experimental tests and CAE models correlated very well with R2 ranging from 90 to 99% for all load cases. Both CAE and Sensor pad test results shows increase in sealing pressure when internal side pressure is applied to the gasket seal.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document