Title: 'Expecting': occupant model incorporating anthropometric details of pregnant women

Authors: B. Serpil Acar, Alix Weekes, David Van Lopik

Addresses: Department of Computer Science, Loughborough University, Leics, LE11 3TU, UK. ' Thatcham MIRRC, Colthrop Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4NR, UK. ' Atkins Aviation and Defence Systems, Brunel House, London Road, Derbyshire, DE1 2WS, UK

Abstract: This study reports the research for a design tool related to pregnant women|s safety during car travel. Anthropometric measurements are taken to generate an occupant model incorporating pregnancy related changes. These anthropometric changes mean that a pregnant occupant may be excluded by the designs, based upon non-pregnant female anthropometry. The paper explains the generation of a comprehensive parametric computer aided model of a pregnant occupant, |Expecting|. The model can represent different size pregnant occupants as well as the size differences occurring in standing and seated postures. This model can be used as a design tool for automotive designers to help ensure that vehicle designs can accommodate the anthropometric needs of pregnant occupants.

Keywords: pregnant women; occupants; occupant modelling; driver; vehicle safety; comfort; female anthropometry; vehicle design; pregnancy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2009.027963

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2009 Vol.51 No.3/4, pp.374 - 385

Published online: 22 Aug 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article