This study investigates the kinematics of vehicle occupants on the passenger seat in reclined and upright seated positions. Thirty-nine volunteers (12 female and 27 male) were tested in 30 kph and 50 kph braking and steering manoeuvres. Eleven manoeuvres were conducted with each volunteer in aware and unaware states. A sedan modified with a belt integrated seat was used. The kinematics was recorded with a video-based system and (additionally) with acceleration / angular velocity sensors. Interaction with the seat was measured with pressure mats and the muscle activity was recorded in the upper body and in the lower body muscles. This publication focuses on the occupant kinematics and its processing with linear mathematical model. Kinematics and respective corridors are predicted for certain age, gender, and anthropometric data.
Keywords:
Braking and steering manoeuvre; occupant kinematics; reclined sitting position; volunteer study