Overview:
The purpose of this document is to provide a centralized resource for research related to Automotive Seat Design. Included content is primarily: recommended dimensions (widths, height, length) though other content such as: recommended cushion contours, ideal cushion properties and pressure distribution are also described. Feel free to add more content to this to expand it so the next Seats Form Factor DRI(s) will have more resources to use!
The recommendations here are to be used in conjunction with both ASC and WSC regulations. If for some reason there is a conflict between those regulations and these recommendations, the ASC and WSC regulations supersede the recommendations in this document
Most of the guidelines here are recommendations, not hard restrictions (with the exception of explicit safety related ones - which will be mentioned). Thus, if the physical space or geometry does not allow for them to be met, do not worry and aim to optimize the design so it can be as close as it can be to the guidelines
Note: Links to all the sources used in this document can be found at the bottom
Note: In text citation will be done in an IEEE style, with a citation number inserted in square brackets beside the text/table
Note on Sources:
As Automotive Seat Design deals with accommodating a wide range of people in addition to seat ergonomics (which still relies on much subjective testing) it is best to use sources that are verified and/or peer reviewed, such as papers and studies. Typically the researchers behind these have the resources and equipment to survey a large number of people and measure metrics that the average person would be unable to. That being said, conducting in house research (if possible) is highly recommended. Finding information from a website is still perfectly acceptable if it comes from a reputable source, can be verified or you are using it to get more familiar with the topic before delving deeper into papers/studies.Â