The Development of the Driving Simulator: Anthropometry and Occupant Packaging Evaluation in Ergonomic Study

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to produce a driving simulator guided by ergonomics and anthropometry in the population of Malaysians. The data obtained from previous studies on the Malaysian population are minimal, so this study should be highlighted in the automotive research industry. Hence, this study also aimed to improve the existing study, where the driving simulator can investigate driving behavior systematically and in more detail. Furthermore, the simulator can produce the same scenario on the road without involving actual vehicles. Therefore, using a driving simulator can reduce the risk and cost of the study done on a real road. The used monitor will broadcast the setup road scenario on the display that will be observed and evaluated afterward. The research observed anthropometry data from 103 participants in 23 different measurements of 11 standing and 12 sitting positions. This analysis continues with the study of occupant packaging measurement in an actual vehicle's driving area, determining the driving simulator dimension. The driving simulator design is then obtained by analyzing three different vehicle models: BMW i3, Toyota Prius, and Proton Preve. This phase includes the standard and optimum driver seat adjustment according to the required ergonomics study, which is proportional to the Malaysian population measurement based on the selected previous study. The design proceeds with the material selection with aluminum extrusion as its design material. Finally, the design created is analyzed in a CATIA V5 simulation to examine the displacement magnitude and von Mises stress of the rig frame structure when some load is appointed. The final phase included a physical test to measure the driving simulator's abilities to avoid the stated obstacles in measuring its accuracy compared to an actual on-road experiment. This phase included 10 participants with two different scenarios. Participants had a compulsory questionnaire to conclude the analysis based on their experience. In conclusion, this study discriminated against on-road driving behavior with high safety factors and low cost without involving an actual vehicle or road. Hence, the simulation of the designed product proves that the subject weight is directly proportional to the displacement magnitude and its von Mises stress, and vice versa.