Anthropometric audit of a car

Anthropometric audit of a car

Module M14AAE: Flight Deck Design
Coventry University: Academic Year 2016/2017
© Coventry University 2017
ASSIGNMENT ONE – Anthropometrics (25% of module mark)
This coursework requires you to undertake a brief anthropometric audit of a car (we
appreciate that you cannot always get easy access to an aircraft flight deck)! The same
principles, apply. Can the tallest and smallest of the potential users reach everything and
see everything given the amount of adjustment available?
You will not need any additional materials other than your notes to complete this
assignment.
Procedure
Get into your car and take up your normal driving position. (Alternatively, you may wish to
observe someone else performing the same tasks in their car.) Can you see and reach
everything easily? Now adjust the seat as far forward as it will go and as far backward.
1. Identify which are the key anthropometric dimensions for using the pedals (hint: you
sit with your legs bent at the knees and you need to be able to press the pedals fully
down)! Can your car accommodate a 5th percentile Japanese Woman and a 95th
percentile Western Male (see Appendix to the Unit)?
2. Adjust the seat back with the seat in the extreme positions – can the tallest and
smallest person reach everything (steering wheel; gear lever; various switches, etc.)?
You can also adjust the steering wheel position if necessary.
3. Next, and this may take a little bit of effort… With your eyes in the appropriate
position for each of the above users (remember their relative sitting eye height…)
how is your visibility inside and outside the vehicle?
4. Finally, think about the different ways in which car design and aircraft flight deck
design accommodate people of different sizes.
Report requirements
Illustrate your answer liberally using diagrams and photographs, as required (these do not
count against the word count)! Use annotated figures/diagrams/photos to address the
above issues – long paragraphs of text are not required. Present evidence for all the
conclusions that you draw.
Students are required to complete and submit online by 11.55pm (GMT) on Friday 17th
February 2017. The word limit is 1000 words (plus 10%, not including references). If you go
exceed the word limit by more than 10% a penalty might be imposed (please refer to your
Faculty Postgraduate Handbook). Any work submitted late will be marked as 0 unless a
short/long deferral request has been granted.