This study investigates seat adjustment strategies to improve passenger comfort in electric general aviation (EGA) cabins under tourism and sightseeing use. Body–seat interface pressure was recorded using a pressure-mapping platform across 25 configurations generated by an L25 (5³) orthogonal design, varying posture, fore–aft seat-track position, and backrest angle. Fifteen participants representing three anthropometric percentiles (P5, P50, and P95; n = 5 per group) were tested. ANOVA–Simultaneous Component Analysis (ASCA) was used to extract factor-specific multivariate redistribution patterns for two interface regions (backrest and seat pan). Results indicated that posture primarily regulated upper-body support and global pressure redistribution, whereas seat-track displacement mainly fine-tuned buttock–thigh load transfer and lower-limb support; backrest angle had a comparatively modest effect within the tested range. Across body types, an upright posture was consistently favourable, with an optimal forward track displacement of 20 mm for P5 and 40 mm for both P50 and P95. Subjective comfort ratings (Borg CR10) were consistent with the objective pressure patterns and supported the proposed hierarchical adjustment strategy. The findings provide ergonomics-based guidance for the design of adjustable seating in space-constrained EGA cabins. • Hierarchical pressure-based adjustment strategy for space-constrained EGA passenger seats in tourism/sightseeing use. • ASCA isolates multivariate pressure-redistribution patterns of posture, seat-track displacement, and backrest angle. • Body-type-specific settings: upright posture with forward track displacement 20 mm (P5) and 40 mm (P50/P95). • Posture dominates back-pressure regulation; seat-track shifts load between buttocks and thighs; backrest angle is auxiliary. • Borg CR10 validation (comfort-adjusted 10−CR10) agrees with objective metrics; combined settings yield highest comfort.
Gao et al. (Thu,) studied this question.