Nissan: Even More Comfortable Seats Within Reach

[xcel]

Similar to the NASA inspired "zero gravity" seating, Nissan takes it to the next level.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Oct. 23, 2012

The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima includes a major advance with the "zero gravity" seats inspired by NASA.

As a follow on, Nissan is developing "fatigue-free seats" to cut driver and passenger fatigue even further and make long periods of driving a pleasant experience.

NASA Research and analysis on the human body and cars led to the "neutral posture", which humans take on in a weightless environment.

Nissan is developing the "Comfortable seat with spinal support" describes as “ergonomic technology”.

The first challenge in development was how to maintain the neutral posture achieved in a weightless environment on the seat. Through a joint research program with Yamazaki Laboratory at Keio University, using a seat simulator and a musculo-skeletal model for seating analysis, Nissan reduced loads to the smallest amount on each muscular and spinal area from the seated position.

Nissan used control of the distribution of local deformation characteristics around the seat back in its initial shape to help realize optimal support. The "Neutral Posture Concept" provides continuous support from the pelvis to the chest, working to reduce muscular and spinal loads and improve blood flow, thereby reducing fatigue over long periods.

What I worry is that machines taking measurement creates a seat shape designed by computer and committee.

GM Has Always Had Pretty Good Driver Ergonomics and Seats. Here is Why

After driving the all-new 2013 Malibu, the results revealed that these seats were some of the worst I have experienced in a mid-size sedan in years.

Sometimes you just have to “sit” down and design the next generation seat by the “seat of your pants”. With machines taking over, let us all hope the check and balance begins where the buck actually rests… In the wallet in your back pocket.

Ok, so that was pretty corny. After an 18-hour day, things are not as clear as they after a full night rest

[PaleMelanesian]

It depends a lot on the driver. I hear people complain about the seats in my Civic, but they are just perfect for me and my aching back. Better than the "nicer" ones in the Odyssey, even though those are more padded, more "ergonomic" and obviously more expensive.

[aca2983]

I wish somebody would design car seats like an Aeron chair. It seems like it could save space, and for me I'd definitely appreciate the ventilation in summer time, which one would only assume would reduce the A/C load.

[Bruce]

I can't imagine driving in the fetal position.

[beatr911]

I'm a side sleeper, but that kind of cramps the rear passengers.