Accurate prediction of driving posture is essential for vehicle interior design (VID). Optimal positioning of controls, displays, and restraint systems depends on a detailed understanding of how and where drivers of widely varying sizes will sit. Recently, advances in computer technology have led to the development of 3D software models of the entire human body that are increasingly used for VID design. These human figure models provide a useful visualization of vehicle occupant size, shape, and position, but the success of design evaluations conducted with these models is strongly dependent on the accuracy of the model posture. This paper investigates the effects on whole-body driving posture of 3 variables known to have key effects on seat position and eye location. The analysis is intended to provide an understanding of the individual and interactive effects of seat height, steering wheel position, and seat cushion angle on all of major posture characteristics of interest for VID.
Abstract