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The ride values of passenger cars are investigated for Korean subjects based on the vibration of the human bodies. When three subjects are excited by driving a vehicle on road, their responses of acceleration are measured at 12 points on their bodies according to Griffin's 12 axis system (3 translational axes on a seat surface, 3 rotational axes on a seat surface, 3 translational axes at the seat back and the 3 translational axes at the feet). Since one of the most important parameters for ride comfort is the level and duration of the root mean square acceleration experienced, the ride values, such as the seat effective amplitude transmissibility, the component ride value, and the overall ride value based on acceleration root mean square are evaluated for different four vehicles using frequency weighing functions and axis multiplying factors. The ride indices are also studied considering to the seat dynamic characteristics with subjects.

Material and properties of seat cover were investigated in order to help develop desired seat covers. The results showed that woven seat cover was used most widely, but the luxurious and soft textured leather seat cover was preferred. Low electrostatic propensity, high moisture transport, high resistance to soil, good cushion, and comfortable warm-cool sensation, mainly comfort properties were demanded for seat covers. The above properties were evaluated for three types of currently used seat covers, leather, woven, and pile knit. New apparatus were manufactured to measure moisture transport and warm-cool sensation. There were differences between seat covers. For leather seat cover, water vapor transmission was the lowest and warm-cool sensation was the coolest. Electrostatic propensity was the highest for woven seat cover. Woven and pile knit seat covers would be easily soiled by water-soluble soil.

The seating comfort is one of the most important indices that determine the performance of automotive seat. A subjective evaluation has been the general method for seating comfort evaluation of automotive seat. In our study, we have attempted to determine a method for objectively evaluating seating comfort. This paper discusses design parameters for automotive seats intended to meet the objectives: comfort. The body pressure distribution for automotive seat, objective technique, is investigated and compared with the subjective evaluation. In addition, this paper reports the results of a study comparing the subjective assessment with physical characteristics. The results show that the body pressure distribution and physical characteristics can be used as the objective technique for the seating comfort evaluation.