This paper investigates whether spring-foam technology in an aircraft seat-pan can reduce weight and at the same time provide equal or better comfort. Firstly, through literature studies and using an iterative design process a prototype seat-pan was designed and developed using spring-foam technology. The (dis)comfort of this seat was compared with a standard aircraft seat-pan. Twenty two participants were asked to sit in each seat for 90 min, completing a questionnaire every 15 min. At the end of each seating session pressure map recordings were made of the seat-pans. The results showed that the prototype seat-pan has on average a significantly higher comfort for the first 30 min and at a 60 min recording than the standard seat-pan. The discomfort and long term comfort were not significantly influenced. The pressure distribution on the prototype seat-pan was significantly closer to an ideal pressure distribution than a conventional seat-pan. In addition, the prototype seat-pan had a significantly larger contact area and lower average pressure. The seat-cushion weighs 20% less than the conventional seat-cushion. The study indicates that a seat-pan design using spring-foam technology can be lighter and more comfortable than conventional foam cushion materials. It is recommended to optimize the prototype seat further and conduct long term (dis)comfort studies with a broader variation in subjects’ age.

本文研究了飞机座椅底板上的弹簧泡沫技术是否可以减轻重量，同时提供同等或更好的舒适度。首先，通过文献研究并使用迭代设计过程，使用弹簧泡沫技术设计并开发了原型座板。将该座椅的（不适）舒适度与标准飞机座板进行了比较。22位参与者被要求在每个座位上坐90分钟，每15分钟填写一次调查问卷。在每次就座会议结束时，都会记录下座垫的压力图。结果表明，原型座板在最初的30分钟和60分钟的记录中平均比标准座板具有更高的舒适度。不适和长期舒适性未受到明显影响。原型座板的压力分布比传统座板的压力分布更接近理想压力分布。此外，原型座板具有明显更大的接触面积和更低的平均压力。座垫的重量比传统座垫轻20％。研究表明，采用弹簧泡沫技术的座板设计比传统的泡沫坐垫材料更轻巧，更舒适。建议进一步优化原型座椅，并进行长期（不适）舒适性研究，研究对象的年龄变化更大。座垫的重量比传统座垫轻20％。研究表明，采用弹簧泡沫技术的座板设计比传统的泡沫坐垫材料更轻巧，更舒适。建议进一步优化原型座椅，并进行长期（不适）舒适性研究，研究对象的年龄变化更大。座垫的重量比传统座垫轻20％。研究表明，采用弹簧泡沫技术的座板设计比传统的泡沫坐垫材料更轻巧，更舒适。建议进一步优化原型座椅，并进行长期（不适）舒适性研究，研究对象的年龄变化更大。