Basic Concepts of Vehicle Packaging

STEP BY STEP PROCESS

STEP 1 : PACKAGE AND DESIGN IDEATION• Loosely sketch out several package concepts based on

the functional objectives.• Include layout of the Occupants, Cargo, Power-train,

Wheels and Fuel.• Also think about the body structure and closures (doors)

and any other special features that may influence the package.

STEP 2 : SET-UP DRIVER’S HEIGHT AND POSTURE• Start by positioning the driver using SAE 95th percentile

manikin.• Establish the heel height from the ground and then the

seating posture.• Consider the ground clearance and underbody

structure when positioning the heel points.• Before setting up the seating posture, think abou the

following : 1) Downward Visibility.2) Command of the road-setting (eye-point from the

ground).

3) Ingress/Egress.4) Aerodynamics.

• Probably the best way to get the driver location close is to look at the existing vehicles with the same attributes and benchmark them.

STEP 3 : SET-UP THE REAR OCCUPANTS• Use the 95th percentile manikin with consideration of leg-

room seating, if appropriate, to give the rear occupants better forward visibility.

• Note that in some coupes and some special cars, 95th percentile manikin will not fit in the rear.

• With both manikins placed, establish a small envelope around them and develop visibility goals.

• Look at the Effective Shoulder-room and Head-room first.• Then look at the up and down angles through the

windshield apertures.

• Any other important relationships to the occupant should be noted.