Lexus is set to unveil a new kinetic seat concept that showcases a raft of advanced features and use of cutting-edge, synthetic spider silk materials.
The radical seat concept, which will debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 29, incorporates a revolutionary fibre net construction that re-evaluates the principles of car seat occupancy.
Rotational movement of the seat cushion and backrest simulates the fundamental spinal movements of human mobility to help stabilise the occupant’s head.
A spider web-pattern flexible net closely fits the body’s shape, dispersing load for prolonged seat comfort and optimal body support.
The threads at the backrest of the spider web-pattern construction are made from environmentally friendly, synthetic spider silk materials.
Moveable seat cushion and backrest
In humans, the spine acts to keep the head stable. It allows the pelvis and chest to rotate in opposite directions while keeping the head in place, even when walking or jogging.
Lexus has sought to recreate this movement with its Kinetic Seat Concept, in which the seat cushion and backrest are designed to move in relation to occupant weight and external force. Thus, simply sitting in the seat helps stabilise head movement caused by the motion of the vehicle, keeping the occupant’s field of vision steady and making driving easier and more comfortable.
Spider web-pattern net seats
The seat frame upholstery consists of a spider’s web-pattern net with threads that radiate from the centre of the backrest. The net is flexible enough to closely fit the shape of the occupant’s body, dispersing the load to make it possible to sit comfortably for prolonged periods.
The centre of the backrest is at shoulder-blade height, which induces rotational movement of the chest around the seat’s pivotal axis. This helps keep the head stable and ensure a high level of support. The seat has a slimmer design, which helps reduce the overall weight of the car.
Synthetic spider silk
The threads that form the backrest’s spider web-pattern construction are made from environmentally friendly, synthetic spider silk materials* instead of petroleum-derived substances. The main component of this material is protein, created using microbial fermentation, then spun and processed into a new material offering superior shock absorption (toughness) properties.
