Ideal Occupant Positioning Through Virtual H-Point Simulation
The optimal seating position in a vehicle is critical to the ergonomics, comfort, and safety of the occupants. CASIMIR/Automotive supports this process through precise H-point and backset simulations, enabling accurate analysis and adjustments already during the early development phase.
Importance of the Seating Reference Point (SgRP) in seat design
In seat design, the Seating Reference Point (SgRP) is initially established. This point serves as a reference for the occupant's position in the vehicle and forms the anchor for the entire interior design. The SgRP is the basis for the ergonomic layout of the vehicle interior and the positioning of all relevant control elements and safety systems. A seat is designed so that, starting from this point, the occupant can reach all key components, while sitting securely and comfortably. The SgRP is surrounded by a tolerance zone, within which the measured H-point (hip point) must fall to meet ergonomic and safety requirements.
Early alignment of the H-point with the SgRP
Our simulation methodology precisely determines the deviation between the H-point and the SgRP early in the development phase. The seat model from the static comfort simulation is combined with a H-point manikin model based on the SAE J826 standard. This approach delivers predictions that deviate only by a few millimeters from later prototype measurements. Thanks to this accuracy, measures can be developed and implemented during the virtual development phase to bring the H-point closer to the SgRP. This improves both ergonomics and comfort for the occupant while reducing the need for costly modifications in later development stages.
Backset simulation for determining headrest spacing
In addition to H-point simulation, we use the Head Restraint Measuring Device (HRMD) according to FMVSS TP 202a to determine headrest spacing (backset). This simulation is conducted in line with the prescribed testing procedures, allowing for precise measurement of the distance between the head and headrest. An optimal backset is essential for occupant safety, especially in rear-end collisions, as it minimizes the risk of cervical vertebra injuries.
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EXPERT IN AUTOMOTIVE SOFTWARE, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND AI-BASED ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
Responsible for the global sales of the NVH simulation software CASIMIR as well as for business development within the Seat Comfort Solutions business unit
More than 10 years of international B2B experience in the automotive and wind energy industries, providing complex engineering and software solutions for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers at the interface of technology and business models, particularly in Asia and North America
Holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Industrial Engineering and Management with a focus on automation technology and product management, complemented by additional training as a value analyst
GLOBALLY RECOGNISED EXPERT IN SEATING COMFORT AND WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION
Product Manager for Virtual Seating Comfort with CASIMIR
25 years of professional experience in seating comfort and occupational health and safety
Speaker at renowned international conferences on seating comfort and whole-body vibration
Contributor to standardisation working groups, including the revision of ISO 2631-5
Core developer of the internationally used seating comfort tool CASIMIR
Degree in General Mechanical Engineering
DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (DIGITAL PRODUCTS)
Holds a Master of Science degree in Computational Mechanics of Materials and Structures from the University of Stuttgart
Responsible for the development of CASIMIR/Automotive (Wölfel’s software tool for seating comfort analysis and optimisation)
Provides close customer support and technical consulting
Optimises customer processes in the field of seating comfort
Conducts simulations in seat development with a focus on H-point, static and dynamic seating comfort, as well as the numerical modelling of human bodies
EXPERT IN AUTOMOTIVE SOFTWARE, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND AI-BASED ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
Responsible for the global sales of the NVH simulation software CASIMIR as well as for business development within the Seat Comfort Solutions business unit
More than 10 years of international B2B experience in the automotive and wind energy industries, providing complex engineering and software solutions for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers at the interface of technology and business models, particularly in Asia and North America
Holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Industrial Engineering and Management with a focus on automation technology and product management, complemented by additional training as a value analyst
GLOBALLY RECOGNISED EXPERT IN SEATING COMFORT AND WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION
Product Manager for Virtual Seating Comfort with CASIMIR
25 years of professional experience in seating comfort and occupational health and safety
Speaker at renowned international conferences on seating comfort and whole-body vibration
Contributor to standardisation working groups, including the revision of ISO 2631-5
Core developer of the internationally used seating comfort tool CASIMIR
Degree in General Mechanical Engineering
DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (DIGITAL PRODUCTS)
Holds a Master of Science degree in Computational Mechanics of Materials and Structures from the University of Stuttgart
Responsible for the development of CASIMIR/Automotive (Wölfel’s software tool for seating comfort analysis and optimisation)
Provides close customer support and technical consulting
Optimises customer processes in the field of seating comfort
Conducts simulations in seat development with a focus on H-point, static and dynamic seating comfort, as well as the numerical modelling of human bodies





