Ergonomics In Car

ERGONOMICS

Dictionaries generally define ergonomics as a scientific discipline that uses principles of biotechnology and engineering to make products more comfortable for workers and consumers. But ergonomics isn't just about design. It also factors in how we use things.

In the context of a car, that means considering anything from the placement of a radio dial to how a person sits in a passenger seat. One ergonomics engineer for Ford described her job as "human factors engineering"

Ergonomics, or the study of human-machine interfacing, is important to race vehicles because the ultimate control of the vehicle belongs to the driver. When designing the interface, several aspects should be taken into account so that an optimized system of control is produced.

Driver Ergonomics :

1. Driver vision :

The driver needs a sufficient level of information about the nature of the oncoming road surface and what is occurring beside them through peripheral vision to drive confidently. If the driver must strain their neck to see enough to feel confident, their field of view is inadequate.

A key input to the interface is the driver’s vision and that of any co-driver. The field of view, as shown below, should include visibility ahead and to the sides of the vehicle (Approximately 180 degree arc–more is even better) and visibility of the road surface.The position the driver will sit in takes into account their field of view first and foremost. However, additional factors such as control positions, comfort and leg/arm leverage must also be factored in.

The design goals of the seating position are:

• To enable the driver (and co-driver) to see clearly ahead and beside themselves through standard and peripheral vision.
• To provide a position of comfortable leverage for the driver so they do not become tired due to operating the controls from an awkward position.
• To enable the driver to adequately see the side mirrors in their peripheral vision (At a minimum) so that the driver need not continuously take their eyes off the road ahead to gauge an opponent’s position behind them. Ideally the side mirrors should be far enough forward to enable direct viewing by a driver glancing at them.
• To enable easy visual access to gauges and other visual feedback in the forward looking line of sight.
• To minimize C.G height to optimize handling.

2. Seating ergonomics: 

After this starting position is established, the seat should be raised to improve the driver's road vision. The seat should also be moved forward and up to allow the driver good control over the pedals, while not causing leg or knee pain. Adjust the backrest and lumbar support to provide adequate support; excessively declining the backrest can cause back pain and impinge on the driver's field of vision. And don't forget the headrest. It can provide crucial neck support.

The final step is adjusting the mirrors to maximize your view of the road and to minimize blind spots, but before doing that, move the steering wheel so that it allows a clean view of the controls and doesn't touch your legs while driving.

3. Controls:

Vehicle controls should be within a comfortable reach of the driver (and co-driver if applicable) and be comfortable to operate. Controls that are awkward to reach or difficult to operate will distract the driver/co-driver and potentially result in more driving mistakes.

Steering Wheel

Formula One cars now run with power assisted steering, reducing the forces that must be transmitted by the steering wheel. This has enabled designers to continue with the trend of reducing the steering wheel size, with the typical item now being about half the diameter of that of a normal road car.

The four most important aspects of the steering wheel are:

1. Distance from the driver – The steering wheel is a tool of leverage. As such, if the steering wheel is too close or too far away from the driver, they will find the steering awkward and tiring. As in fig., with their arm straight (but not straining), the driver should be able to rest their wrist on the top of the steering wheel. Doing so will ensure that in the worst case, the driver’s arms will not be locked straight while steering (Which is both uncomfortable and a poor leverage position)
   
   

   
2. Elbow constrain – When turning, one arm will be forced to move closer to the driver’s body. It is important to ensure that the seat does not interfere with that motion. If the driver is forced to keep his arms in a wing-like posture to avoid the seat or jam their elbow into their rib cage, it will be uncomfortable.
3. steer wheel Angle – The angle of the steering wheel goes hand in hand with points "1" and "2" above. The arc through which the steering wheel turns determines where the hands arms, and elbows will be located. To extreme an angle, horizontally or vertically will be uncomfortable.
4. Steer Wheel Size – Steering wheel size determines the amount of leverage but also the amount of motion required by the driver to turn the vehicle. The scrub radius of the steering tires/wheels, the steering rack ratio and the diameter of the steering wheel all contribute to the amount of movement and effort required to steer.

Design considerations :

• With human beings generally living longer, as well as growing taller and heavier, it's important for cars to be able to adapt to serving more diverse populations. Similarly, the presence of more elderly drivers and passengers means that cars have to accommodate their needs; in particular, they have to be easy for these folks to get in and out of. Using virtual modelling allows engineers to simulate the behaviours of the elderly or those with special needs, ensuring that car interiors are designed and tested for an increasingly diverse population.
• One of the more intriguing trends in ergonomic design is the attention now paid to older drivers. All types of cars -- including sports cars -- are designed to have controls with larger text and better lighting to maximize readability, particularly for older or functionally disabled drivers. Even door handles are should made to allow a better grip for people with conditions like arthritis.
• To badly paraphrase Freud, sometimes a cargo hold is not just a cargo hold. That is, car trunks are now employed for numerous purposes besides hauling gear or spare tires or holding suitcases on the way to the airport. Many trunks now include built-in pockets, flaps that hide storage areas for a spare tire and its associated equipment, a rubberized bottom and covers to conceal and protect cargo. Many trunks are also expandable (by way of rear seats that fold down), are removable or disappear completely into the vehicle's floor.User flexibility and add-ons are the latest in cargo hold innovation.