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.

 


Please contact us personally

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We will be happy to support you in solving your tasks relating to virtual seat development, seating comfort and virtual human models.

M. Sc. Martin Anderson
Sales

+49 931 49708-184
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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

Dipl.-Ing. Jörg Hofmann
Product Management

+49 931 49708-280
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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

M. Sc. Aravinda Veeraraghavan
Technical Support

+49 931 49708-182
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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