In vehicle design and especially automotive design, the H-point (or hip-point) is the relative vertical location of an occupant's hip, specifically the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of the body, either relative to the floor of the vehicle[1] or relative to the height above pavement level -- and pertinent to seating comfort, visibility from the vehicle into traffic and other design factors. Technically, the measurement uses the hip joint of a 50th Percentile male occupant, viewed laterally.[2]
As with the location of other automotive design "hard points," the H-point has major ramifications in the overall design of a vehicle, including roof height, aerodynamics, visibility, comfort,[3] ease of entry and exit,[3] interior packaging, safety, restraint design and collision performance. As an example, higher H-points can provide more legroom, both in the front and back seats.[4]
There has been a recent global trend toward higher H-points.[5] Referring to the trend in a 2004 article, The Wall Street Journal noted an advantage: "the higher the H-Point, the higher you ride in the car, and in some cases, the more comfortable you feel behind the wheel".[4]
Buses, minivans, SUVs and CUVs will generally have higher H-points than sedans, though certain sedans feature higher H-points than most, e.g., The Ford Five Hundred, and the latest generation Ford Taurus. Sports cars and vehicles with higher aerodynamic considerations, by contrast, may employ lower H-points. When an automobile features progressively higher H-points at each successive seating row, the seating is called theater seating,[3] as in the Dodge Journey, and Ford Freestyle.[3]
Vehicle interior ergonomics are integral to an automotive design education. The
See also
References
- ^ "2004 Mitsubishi Outlander New Car Test Drive". Car.com, Larry Edsall. http://www.car.com/content/Research/Reviews/index.cfm/action/DisplayPro/aid/138805/Make_vch/Mitsubishi/Model_vch/Outlander/Year_si/2004.
- ^ "Dept of Transportation NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards" (PDF). Federal Register May 4, 07 p.25485. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-2011.pdf.
- ^ a b c d "2005 Ford Freestyle Design". Myfordfreestyle.com. http://www.myfordfreestyle.com/specs/2005_freestyle_design.php.
- ^ a b "Riding High: Auto Makers Jack Up the Car Seat; Finding Your Ideal 'H-Point'". The Wall Street Journal, Michelle Higgins, Dec 2, 2004. http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB110194232087888545.html.
- ^ "Frankfurt Motor Show: Will getting more into less become more out of less?". Automotive Engineering International Online, Stuart Birch, European Editor. http://www.sae.org/automag/globalvehicles/11-2001/.
- ^ "Vehicle Ergonomics Laboratories". U. Michigan Transportation Research Institute. http://www.umtri.umich.edu/facilityPage.php?fID=21.
External links
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