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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2020 Jul:86:103103.
doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103103. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Automated driving: A biomechanical approach for sleeping positions

Maximilian J Stanglmeier  1 , Florian K Paternoster  2 , Susanne Paternoster  3 , Raphael J Bichler  3 , Peer-Oliver Wagner  3 , Ansgar Schwirtz  2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Automated driving: A biomechanical approach for sleeping positions

Maximilian J Stanglmeier et al. Appl Ergon. 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Occupants of autonomous vehicle have frequently indicated the desire to sleep or rest while driving, yet little has been known regarding the suitable design criteria for a biomechanically reasoned in-vehicle sleeping position. This study was aimed at evaluating the biomechanical quality of different backrest and seat pan angle combinations, and at predicting the most favourable sleeping positions based on vehicle restriction. More specifically, the interface pressure distribution and subjective suitability rating of 23 subjects was assessed in a total of nine (3 × 3) combinations of seat pan (20°, 30°, 40°) and backrest (145°, 155°, 165°) angles. Biomechanical quality was evaluated with an interface pressure score (IPS) based on sensitivity weighted pressures and the total contact area. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that IPS significantly improves with increasing seat pan angle whereas backrest angles of 155° or 165° lead to significant better IPS compared to flatter ones (145°). The overall highest IPS was observed for a 40°-seat pan angle in combination with a 155°-backrest angle. Subjective suitability rating revealed that people prefer a combination of 165° backrest angle with a seat pan of 20°; however, eight of nine combinations can be considered as suitable for sleeping. Therefore, the combination of a 40°-seat pan angle and 155° backrest is recommended by the present study for an in-vehicle sleeping position due to the increased biomechanical quality.

Keywords: Automated driving; Autonomous driving; Biomechanics; Ergonomics; Interface pressure; Posture analysis; Posture variation; Seat design; Seating; Sleeping posture; Transportation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: This manuscript is part of the PhD research of MJS, who is enrolled at the Technical University of Munich, Germany: MJS is initiator of the study, which has an independent status. He designed and conducted the investigation and is responsible for the conceptualization, data curation, and formal analysis. P-OW supported the conceptualization by facilitating the construction of the customized mock-up, the use of the laboratory and equipment as well as access to the study volunteer database at the BMW Group, Munich. FKP, SS, RJB and AS supported the conceptualization, methodology and formal analysis. FKP and AS were involved to guide the scientific approach. All Authors were engaged in the writing, reviewing and editing process of the manuscript. The scientific quality had the highest priority and has been checked through an experts conference at the TU Munich. MJS, SS, RJB, and P-OW are employed by the BMW Group, Munich. However, the BMW Group, Munich, had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The objective of this paper was to define the best seat configuration for sleeping during an automated car journey. The outcome of this study is being used by the BMW Group in making decision which configuration is most preferable from an ergonomic perspective. The research is not influenced by commercial goals, as this decision has not been made at the date the paper has been submitted.

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