Optimizing Truck Cab Layout for Driver Accommodation

Abstract

One important source of variability in the performance and success of products designed for use by people is the people themselves. In many cases, the acceptability of the design is affected more by the variability in the human users than by the variability attributable to the hardware from which the product is constructed. Designing for human variability as an inherent part of the product optimization process can improve the overall performance of the product. This paper presents a new approach to artifact design that applies population sampling and stochastic posture prediction in an optimization environment to achieve optimal designs that are robust to variability among users, including differences in age, physical size, strength, and cognitive capability. A case study involving the layout of the interior of a heavy truck cab is presented, focusing on simultaneous placement of the seat and steering-wheel adjustment ranges. Trade-offs between adjustability (an indicator of cost), driver accommodation, and safety are explored under this paradigm.

Simulated effect of driver and vehicle interaction on vehicle interior layout

“…The first step is to randomly generate each individual from a multivariate normal distribution by the means and standard deviations of the of stature and natural log of BMI Reed, 2005, 2006;Parkinson et al, 2007). BMI is transformed to natural log value for a better representation in the normal distribution.…”

A comparison of methodologies for designing for human variability

“…Using a methodology described in Parkinson et al (2007) and Parkinson and Reed (2006a), this approach for the bicycle design uses the regression parameters of the seat height preference model to generate a virtual population of 1000 users randomly sampled from theANSUR database. The preferred seat height includes a stochastic component that describes how the preferred seat height of the virtual user deviates from the mean observed height for someone of that stature.…”

“…These tools describe how to consider the variability in anthropometry, capability, and age, among other factors, in the target user population. The application of design automation tools facilitates the simultaneous consideration of these and other aspects of designs (Michalek et al 2006, Osteras et al 2006, van der Vegte and Horvath 2006, Zou and Mahadevan 2006, Parkinson et al 2007.…”

Comparison of Malaysian and SAE J833 Anthropometric Proportions for Vehicle Package Design

“…Advanced Engineering Forum Vol. 10Therefore, in designing the driver cockpit area of a vehicle for the Malaysian population using SAE Standard design practices, specific countermeasures should be considered on the on seat, steering or pedals parameters to minimize the gaps of the body dimension to account for the variation between the Malaysian and the North American population (from which the SAE J833 is based) Those specific countermeasure may include multiple seat adjustments (fore-aft and seat height range), adjustable steering system in the form of the telescopic steering type or the possibility for adjustable pedals to accommodate different body segments.…”