Design and modeling of tractor's air cushion seat using finite element method

In recent years, the attention to human factors engineering has been increased in industrial transportation due to its importance to the health and safety of drivers. Since tractors are very important machines in agricultural operations, therefore the ergonomics of these machines should be taken into consideration. Accordingly an ergonomics seat cushion for Iranians operators was designed to reduce vibrations transmitted to tractors operator's body in order to improve driver comfort level. The designed air seat cushion model was compared with existing seat cushion. Both seat cushion models were analyzed using the finite element method in the frequency range of 3 to 66 Hz for three drivers with masses of 55, 70 and 85 kg. The results of this study showed that designed air seat mattress reduced accelerations output in range if driver comfort level, while the results of seat backrest acceleration outputs, show more comfort levels in existing seats backrest model. Therefore, by combining the existing seat back rest and designed air seat mattress make a better seat design and can provide more comfort and convenience level for Iranian tractor drivers.