This study evaluates the comfort benefits of adjustable pedals by determining their effect on the distance between the occupant and steering wheel, occupant posture and foot kinematics. Twenty volunteers were tested in a small and large vehicle equipped with adjustable pedals. Three pedal positions were used: normal, comfortable and maximum tolerable. In both vehicles, various factors influenced the use of adjustable pedals. These factors included visibility, knee-steering wheel contact and arm posture. Adjustable pedals seemed to be beneficial, for instance, in: Increasing the chest-to-steering wheel distance. Though pedals were more extended in the large vehicle than in the small vehicle, the chest-to-steering wheel distance was increased by 40 mm in both vehicles for the short-statured occupants; and in improving the kinematics of the foot and reducing foot-ankle injuries. In the small car, pedal extension seemed to reduce heel lifting movements in the short-statured group. The results obtained also provide quantitative information that can be used as guidelines for future pedal designs. See also C 16136 (In: C 16099) (ITRD E203680).
Abstract