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. 2024 Mar 9;14(1):5822.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-56446-y.

Optimization of the seat position for a personal vehicle equipped with a crankset: pilot study

Łukasz Bereś  1 , Justyna Pyrzanowska  2 , Dagmara Mirowska-Guzel  2 , Marcin Obszański  3 , Paweł Pyrzanowski  3
Affiliations

Optimization of the seat position for a personal vehicle equipped with a crankset: pilot study

Łukasz Bereś et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

The aim of the study was to optimize the seat for a personal vehicle equipped with a crankset mechanism, meant for everyday use. The inclination of the seat backrest was selected on the basis of theoretical considerations. Then dynamic tests were carried out on a group of young, healthy men in order to verify the ergonomic aspects of the seat position in relation to the crankset and determine the efficiency of the human-mechanism system with a load of 50 W. The data obtained from the dynamic tests were subject to statistical analysis. Research has shown that higher seat positions result in statistically higher efficiencies. In addition, a holistic analysis of the personal vehicle design problem shows that the upper position of the seat is also the best. The results of the research can be used to optimize personal vehicles using human force as a drive.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The outline of a three-wheeled personal vehicle equipped with the crankset.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Parameters (α, x, y) of the seat in a personal vehicle that were considered during the tests.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Stand for dynamic tests.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Track for measuring mechanical energy.
Figure 5
Figure 5
An example of a person on a test stand.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Position of the seat relative to the crankset for various scheduled seat test positions (assuming that m = 0 [m]).
Figure 7
Figure 7
The test plan presented in the form of a graph.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Diagram of M(φ), with negative energy visible.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Airflow in one full breath during exercise.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Example fragment of the ECG signal.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Net efficiency of different seat positions (*p < 0.05, Dunn Test – Down Position vs. Top Position).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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