Automotive seat fit parameters based on representative Nigerian anthropometric data

The best commonly applied approach in seating ergonomics is the concept that the seat must fit the sitter. Understanding of population anthropometry is necessary because, in the mass vehicle market, a single seat should fit a huge portion of the population. This research work proposes some automotive seat fit parameters based on a representative Nigerian anthropometric data, to ensure an optimum fit between the vehicle seats and the occupants, as well as providing adequate accommodation. Anthropometric data of 863 Nigerians captured with special emphasis on the dimensions that are applicable in automotive seat design. A comparison made between the data obtained and that of five other countries. The proposed dimensions includes: seat cushion width (475mm)seat cushion length (394mm)seat height (340mm)seat lateral location (583mm)seat back height (480mm)seat back width (427mm)armrest height (246mm)headrest height (703mm)armrest surface length (345mm)backrest width (thoracic level) (524mm)seat adjustment (186mm)backrest width (lumbar level) (475mm) and distance between armrests (475mm). A comparison made between the proposed dimensions and those recommended by four other scholars for other populations. Finally, an ergonomic automotive seat suitable for the Nigerian population was designed using AutoCAD 2016 software based on the proposed established dimensions