Adaptive Air Ride Seat - Ducati Monster Inspired Seat Design
Tech Integrated Soft Goods Design Project (Junior Year)
I'm excited to present an innovative seat design that reimagines the connection between the rider and motorcycle. The seat is arguably the most important connecting piece between the rider and the bike. It is the primary interface that influences comfort and control during the riding experience. Picture, if you will, a seat that breathes with the rhythm of the ride—a symphony of air and electronic innovation that is tailored to the rider’s needs. This adaptive air ride seat is a forward-thinking approach to rider ergonomics featuring small D/C pumps that send air to a bladder located under a hand stitched Alcantara seat. The following images depict my design process, showing my sketches, models, and finally a fully-functioning seat tested on my own personal bike. This system enhances both rider comfort and performance, while supporting universal compatibility across all motorcycle companies.
Adaptive air ride Seat
After exploring the potential of air-filled bladders beneath a seat, I created foam models to both visualize and test my design. Using these models and considering the timeframe of this project, I decided to modify an OEM Ducati seat by carving out space to accommodate the air bladder. I then integrated the necessary technology to operate the system. To further enhance both comfort and performance, I wrapped the seat in Alcantara. The final working prototype is now installed on my bike, showcasing the functional and aesthetic improvements of the Adaptive Air Ride Seat.
The entire system is controlled via buttons mounted on the handlebars, which are wired to a 12V battery. There also potential for future integration with the bike's ECU, allowing for control through various riding modes.
