H-point
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In vehicle design and especially automotive design, the H-point (or hip-point) is the relative vertical location of an occupant's hip, specifically the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of the body, either relative to the floor of the vehicle[1] or relative to the height above pavement level -- and pertinent to seating comfort, visibility from the vehicle into traffic and other design factors. Technically, the measurement uses the hip joint of a 50th percentile male occupant, viewed laterally.[2]
As with the location of other automotive design "hard points," the H-point has major ramifications in the overall design of a vehicle, including roof height, aerodynamics, visibility, comfort,[3] ease of entry and exit,[3] interior packaging, safety, restraint design and collision performance. As an example, higher H-points can provide more legroom, both in the front and back seats.[4]
There has been a recent global trend toward higher H-points.[5] Referring to the trend in a 2004 article, The Wall Street Journal noted an advantage: "the higher the H-Point, the higher you ride in the car, and in some cases, the more comfortable you feel behind the wheel".[4]
Buses, minivans, SUVs and CUVs will generally have higher H-points than sedans, though certain sedans feature higher H-points than most, e.g., Chevrolet Aveo[6] and latest generation Ford Taurus. Sports cars and vehicles with higher aerodynamic considerations, by contrast, may employ lower H-points. When an automobile features progressively higher H-points at each successive seating row, the seating is called theater seating,[3] as in the Chevrolet Aveo,[6] Dodge Journey, and Ford Freestyle.[3]
Vehicle interior ergonomics are integral to an automotive design education. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has adopted tools for vehicle design, including statistical models for predicting driver eye location and seat position as well as an H-point mannequin for measuring seats and interior package geometry. Occupant posture-prediction models are used in computer simulations and form the basis for crash test dummy positioning.[7]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- SAE Three Dimensional H-Point Engineering Aid Support
- Motor Trend: Three Advances In The Art Of The Sedan
[edit] References
- ^ 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander New Car Test Drive. Car.com, Larry Edsall.
- ^ Dept of Transportation NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Federal Register May 4, 07 p.25485.
- ^ a b c d 2005 Ford Freestyle Design. Myfordfreestyle.com.
- ^ a b Riding High: Auto Makers Jack Up the Car Seat; Finding Your Ideal 'H-Point'. The Wall Street Journal, Michelle Higgins, Dec 2, 2004.
- ^ Frankfurt Motor Show: Will getting more into less become more out of less?. Automotive Engineering International Online, Stuart Birch, European Editor.
- ^ a b Chevrolet Aveo Brings Surprising Innovation to Entry-Level Car Segment. Conceptcarz.com.
- ^ Vehicle Ergonomics Laboratories. U. Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
