Investigating the Effect of Package Parameters on Driver Comfort Using the DOE Method and the DHM Ergonomics Analysis Tool

Background and Objectives: Due to the necessity of the proper driver packaging, setting parameters for the driver to achieve the highest ergonomics of the driver has a great importance. The range of variations in some parameters of the package is wide, and the correct selection of the packaging parameters until to achieve driver’s ergonomics position, requires some tests. Methods: In this study, using the MINITAB16 software and using these parameters, several driving simulation were performed using the DHM (Digital human modeling) and DOE (Design of experiment) tools. Hence, for the C segment vehicles, the range of all driver’s package parameters, such as seat height, steering angle etc., was extracted using the A2MAC1 site, and was considered as the basis for the input parameter. According to the proposed tests by MINITAB16 software, the driver’s comfort level was evaluated based on the PORTER (1998) criteria. Results: The seat height and also vertical and horizontal distances of the steering wheel to the accelerator heel point have the greatest impact on the driver’s ergonomics. Also, due to the high correlation between some of the parameters of the package and the ergonomics outputs of the body while driving, predictive equations were presented in this regard. Conclusion: The results are the optimal model for ergonomic driving position. The most influential parameters of the driver’s package are ergonomically known and using the ANOVA (Analysis of variance), mathematical predictor models were presented.