Influences of cushion contour on passenger comfort and interface pressure in high-speed train

Abstract

In this paper, eight different contoured cushions (S1-S8) in two categories (flat and wrapped) were designed to study the influence of different contoured cushions on passenger comfort in high-speed trains. Meanwhile, subjective data investigation by the comfort Likert Scale questionnaire and objective physical variables collection by the body-cushion contact pressure test was carried out. In addition, one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were performed on the subjective survey and objective test data. The results show that the cushion contours had a significant effect on the subjective evaluation of the overall comfort of the participants, in which the overall comfort below the waist of the separated wrapped cushion S8 has the highest subjective comfort score. The overall comfort of the flat-front bulge type cushion S4 and the local comfort of the thighs and the root of the thighs were rated higher than other flat types. Under the flat cushion, the effect of stature characteristics (mainly weight and hip-width) on the overall comfort subjective ratings was insignificant, and the effect on the contact pressure distribution variables was significant, but the contact pressure distribution variables were not correlated with the comfort ratings. Under the wrapped cushion, the effect of stature characteristics on the overall comfort subjective ratings and contact pressure distribution variables was significant. There were positive and negative correlations between the average peak contact pressure and average contact pressure and comfort ratings, respectively.