SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.TO PLACE A DOCUMENT ORDER: +1 (724) 776-4970 FAX: +1 (724) 776-0790SAE WEB ADDRESS Copyright 2002 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.SURFACE VEHICLE 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, P A 15096-0001STANDARD J826REV.JUN2002Issued 1962-11Revised2002-06Superseding J826 JUL1995(R) H-Point Machine and Design Tool Procedures and Specifications1.Scope—The devices described in this document provide a method for a reliable layout and measurement ofoccupant seating compartments and/or seats. They are not to be construed as tools that measure orindicate occupant capabilities or comfort .The devices are intended for applications at designated seating positions. They are not intended for use indefining or assessing temporary seating, such as folding jump seats.When using the H-Point Machine (HPM), interactions can occur between adjacent seating positions (i.e.,having an HPM installed at the center occupant position can change the results obtained for the outboardoccupant position). Therefore, only one machine should be installed in a particular row of seats during eachtest.1.1General—This practice provides the specifications and procedures for using the H-Point machine (HPM) andthe H-Point design tool (HPD). The HPM is a physical tool used to establish key reference points andmeasurements in a vehicle (see Figure 1). The HPD is a simplified CAD 1 version of the HPM, which can beused in conjunction with the HPM, or independently during product design (see Figure 2).For convenience and simplicity, many terms associated with H-Point devices use human body parts in theirname. However, they should not be construed as measures that indicate occupant accommodation,human capabilities, or comfort. H-point devices do not represent the size or posture of any category ofoccupant.H-Point devices are used (1) during vehicle design and development to establish interior reference points anddimensions for occupant packaging, (2) to validate the location of these key reference points and dimensionson physical properties during audits, and (3) to measure competitive vehicles during benchmarking. Theprocedures employed for each usage vary somewhat, and are handled separately in this document.H-Point devices are also used for the design, audit, and benchmarking of seats. However, in these instances,the reference points and dimensions are defined relative to the seat structure and/or surface, rather than thevehicle’s interior. The procedures for positioning the H-Point devices in seats are abridged, and do not requirethe use of the shoe tool or leg segments. The seat procedures will be addressed in subsequent revisions tothis document.1.CAD is an acronym for computer-aided design. In a general sense, it has come to encompass any software system/approach to automotive design and development, and is often used to refer to CAE (computer-assisted engineering) and CAM (computer-assisted manufacturing) soft-ware systems as well.FIGURE 1—SIDE VIEW OF HPMFIGURE 2—SIDE VIEW AND ISOMETRIC VIEW OF HPD1.2Critical Reference Points—Several of the reference points established with an H-Point device are required forthe subsequent positioning of other design devices, such as head contours, eyellipses, and reach curves. The most critical reference points2 established by an H-Point device are the H-Point, the H-Point travel path, the SgRP (seating reference point), the AHP (accelerator heel point), and the PRP (pedal reference point).1.2.1H-P OINT—The H-Point is located on an H-Point device (HPM or HPD). However, when an H-Point device isproperly positioned within a vehicle – either in CAD or in an actual physical property – the location of the H-Point relative to the vehicle is used as a vehicle reference point. If the seat is moved, the location of the H-Point within the vehicle is changed. Therefore, adjustable seats will have more than one H-Point location, while fixed seats will have only one H-Point location.NOTE—H-Points are often referred to as hip points or hip pivot points. However, they do not represent the location of the human hip joint.1.2.2H-P OINT T RAVEL P ATH—All possible locations of the H-Point provided by the full range of seat adjustments(horizontal, vertical or rotational) for a given designated seating position.1.2.3S G RP (S EATING R EFERENCE P OINT)—A specific and unique H-Point defined for each designated seatingposition.1.2.4AHP (A CCELERATOR H EEL P OINT)—A point located near the accelerator pedal on the depressed floorcovering.1.2.5PRP (P EDAL R EFERENCE P OINT)—A point located on the lateral centerline of the accelerator pedal.2.References2.1Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specifiedherein. Unless otherwise indicated, the latest version of SAE publications shall apply.2.1.1SAE P UBLICATIONS—SAE publications are available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA,15096-0001.SAE J182—Motor Vehicle Fiducial Marks and Three-Dimensional Reference SystemSAE J1100—Motor Vehicle DimensionsSAE J1516—Accommodation Tool Reference Point2.2Related Publications—The following publications are provided for information purposes only and are not arequired part of this document.2.2.1SAE P UBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.Manary, M. A., Flannagan, C. A. C., Reed, M. P., and Schneider, L. W. (1999) “Human Subject Testing in Support of ASPECT,” SAE T echnical Paper 1999-01-0960.Schneider, L. W., Reed, M. P., Roe, R. W., Manary, and M. A., Flannagan, C. A. C. (1999) “ASPECT: The Next-Generation H-Point Machine and Related Vehicle and Seat Design and Measurement T ools,”SAE Technical Paper 1999-01-0962.Reed, M. P., Roe, R. W., and Schneider, L. W. (1999) “Design and Development of the ASPECT Manikin,”SAE Technical Paper 1999-01-0963.Reid Bush, T., Gregg, S., and Hubbard, R. (1999) “Measuring and Modeling Support Forces of People to Assist in the Development of the ASPECT Manikin Weighting,” SAE Technical Paper 1999-01-0961.2.See SAE J1100 for additional information on reference points, terms or dimensions used in this document.Roe, R. W., Reed, M. P ., and Schneider, L. W. (1999) “ASPECT Manikin Applications and Measurementsfor Design, Audit, and Benchmarking,” SAE Technical Paper 1999-01-0965.Reed, M. P ., Roe, R. W., Manary, M. A., Flannagan, C. A. C., and Schneider, L. W. (1999) “New Conceptsin Vehicle Design Using ASPECT,” SAE Technical Paper 1999-01-0967.3.Revision Differences—The tools and procedures described in this practice represent a major revision of theformer tools and practice. The changes made have resulted in improved repeatability, greater ease of use,clearer and more complete procedures for use, and additional features and measurement capabilities. All efforts were made to achieve these improvements, while minimizing their impact on the location of reference points and measurements. Discussed below are several of the fundamental changes.3.1Separate Components—For the new HPM, the legs (upper and lower), shoe, cushion pan and back pan are all separate pieces. This greatly improves the ease of installation.3.2‘Legless’ Manikin—The new tools allow the H-Point location to be defined without having to attach the legs. 3.3Shoe Tool—Several improvements were made to the shoe tool and how it is positioned in the vehicle,including:changing the location of the ball of foot,eliminating the use of the theta equation (from SAE J1516),creating an alpha equation which can be used in pedal design,establishing a new pedal reference point (PRP), anddefining a more complete procedure for positioning the shoe.As a result of these changes, the accelerator heel point (AHP) may be further rearward, and the ankle angle may be larger for carry-over pedal packages.3.4Cushion Angle—The cushion angle can now be measured independently of thigh angle, and at the same timethe other measurements are made. Previously, cushion angle was measured off the thigh line, and required a separate installation of the HPM.3.5Lumbar Support—The articulation of the back pan assembly allows the HPM to be better seated in contoured seats. It also allows for the measurement of the lumbar support prominence (LSP). This measurement is defined as:(Eq. 1)whereX is the distance between the lumbar-pelvic pivot to the back line, measured normal to the back line.In a neutral posture – when LSP equals zero – the distance between the lumbar-pelvic pivot and the back line is 57 mm. The contour of the back pan assembly is most similar to the previous H-Point machine when the HPM is in this neutral position.As LSP increases, the lumbar segment of the back pan assembly is pushed forward, the pelvic and thoracic segments are tipped, and the lumbar-pelvic pivot moves closer to the back line (see Figure 3).LSP 57mm X–=FIGURE 3—LUMBAR SUPPORT PROMINENCE (LSP)3.6Back Angle—Back angles for seats with an adjustable recliner are specified as 22 degrees for drivers and25 degrees for rear passenger seats. If a rear passenger seat cannot be set to 25 degrees, it is set to the value closest to 25 degrees. For example, a passenger seat with a maximum back angle of 23 degrees would be set to 23 degrees. Back angles for seats without an adjustable recliner are as specified by the manufacturer.4.Overview of H-Point Devices (HPM and HPD)—This section provides descriptions of the parts and capabilities common to both tools and some basic dimensions. Complete dimensional information can be found in Section 16.4.1Major Common Components—(See Figure 4.)a.Back Pan—Consists of three segments: thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic.b.Cushion Panc.Thigh and Lower Leg Segments – The length of the leg segments can be adjusted. However, forestablishing SgRP and taking measurements defined in SAE J1100, the SgRP leg length values mustbe used. (See Table 1.)d.Shoe—The ball of foot (BOF), heel of shoe (HOS), and bottom of shoe are found on the shoe tool, andare key reference points or surfaces for using either H-Point device. The bare foot flesh line is used tocalculate ankle angle. This line is provided on the HPD only. However, the direct read-out scales on theHPM takes into consideration the bare foot flesh line in determining ankle angle. (See T able 2.)TABLE 1—LEG SEGMENT LENGTHSSgRPMid-Size Male Thigh Segment(knee pivot to H-Point)456 mm 432 mm Lower Leg Segment(knee pivot to ankle pivot)459 mm 417.5 mmFIGURE 4—COMMON MAJOR COMPONENTS4.2Pivot Locations—Both the HPM and the HPD can be articulated about six pivot locations: ankle pivot, kneepivot, H-Point (where cushion and back pan are joined), lumbar-pelvic pivot, thoracic-lumbar pivot, and sliding thoracic pivot. (See Figure 5.) The pivot locations are identical in both tools. In the HPD, the pivot point centers are provided as data points. In the HPM, the pivot point centers lie within the pivot mechanism.TABLE 2—SHOE TOOL DIMENSIONSDimensionValueOverall length of shoe306 mm BOF to HOS distance200 mm Ankle pivot107 mm above HOS 81 mm forward of HOS Bare foot flesh lineRelative to BOFRelative to HOS 6.5 degrees above the bottom of shoe.Originates 286.9 mm forward of HOS.99 mm above 32.76 mm aboveFIGURE 5—PIVOT POINTS4.3Measurement Capabilities—Both the HPM and the HPD can be used to make measurements. Several keymeasurements are summarized in Table 3. The methods for taking the measurements refer to reference lines, divots, and lands. These are discussed in later sections. See also SAE J1100 for more information.TABLE 3—KEY MEASUREMENTSSAE J1100Code Measurement HPD Method HPM MethodA40Back Angle Use the back line. The angle of the back line fromvertical.Define the back line using divots, or place inclinometer on back angle land on the back pan assembly, or the back angle land on the head room fixture with the fixture mounted flush to the back pan assembly.A27Cushion Angle Use the cushion line. The angle of the cushion linefrom horizontal.Define the cushion line using divots, or place inclinometer on the cushion angle land on the cushion pan assembly.A57Thigh Angle Use the thigh line (lower line on the thighsegment). The angle of the thigh line fromhorizontal.Define the thigh line using divot points, or place inclinometer on the thigh angle land.A42Hip Angle Use the thigh line and back line. The anglebetween the back and thigh lines.Measure the thigh angle and back angle. Hip angle = 90 degrees + back angle – thigh angle.A44Knee Angle Use the thigh line and lower leg line. The anglebetween the thigh and lower leg lines.A direct read-out scale is provided, or define the thigh and lower leg lines using divots.A46Ankle Angle Use the lower leg and bare foot flesh referencelines. The angle between the lower leg and barefoot flesh lines.A direct read-out scale is provided.A47, A48Pedal Plane Angle orFloor Plane Angle.Use the bottom of the shoe. The angle fromhorizontal of the bottom of the shoe.Define the bottom of the shoe using divots, orplace an inclinometer on the pedal plane and onthe shoe.L81Lumbar SupportProminence (LSP)Use the back line reference line and the lumbar-pelvic pivot point. See 3.5.A direct read-out scale is provided.4.4Locations of Key Reference Points and Lines—All reference points, lines, and pivot point centers arecontained within the HPD file (See Figures 6A and 6B). However, for the HPM, the points and reference lines need to be calculated using divot points. Table 4 and T able 5 summarize the HPM locations. Divot points are described in greater detail in 4.5, and 16.7.4.5Divot Points—Fourteen divot points are provided on the HPM for use with CMM equipment (see Figure 7).The primary purpose of the divot points is to allow for the calculation of key reference points. (See Table 6.) For example, the coordinates of H1L and H1R are required to calculate the H-Point location. The coordinates of S1, S2, and S3 are required to calculate the location of the accelerator heel point (or floor reference point).Divot points can also be used to calculate with additional precision anything that can be measured directly from the HPM (e.g., back angle, cushion angle, knee angle, lumbar support prominence, etc.).On the HPM, divot points are located in the center of the small gold colored disks on the mechanism. For the HPD, divot points are represented as data points. These data points have been provided in the HPD file to allow for a mapping of the HPM location and attitude. Specific locations for the divot points can be found in Section 16.FIGURE 6A—REFERENCE POINTS AND LINESFIGURE 6B—POSTURE ANGLE MEASUREMENTSFIGURE 7—DIVOT POINTS ON THE HPMTABLE 4—KEY REFERENCE POINTSReference Point Description and HPD Location HPM LocationH-Point Located at the three-way intersection of the lateralcenterline, cushion line and back line.The intersection of the cushion line and back line corresponds to the pivot center of the cushion pan and back pan. This point is within the mechanism, and must be calculated using the divot points H1L and H1R. For additional accuracy, the divot points B1, B2, and C1 can be used to define the lateral centerline of the HPM.D-Point Located on the bottom of the cushion pan, at thelateral centerline, 25.5 mm (15 degrees) rearward ofthe H-Point (when cushion angle equals 0).Located by a divot on the surface of the cushion pan. However, when the HPM is installed, this point cannot be reached, but must be calculated relative to the H-Point.Heel of Shoe The heel point is found at the bottom of the back ofthe shoe, at the lateral centerline. It is used to definethe accelerator heel point (AHP) for the driver, andthe floor reference point (FRP) for passengers.The heel point can not be reached when the HPM is installed. The location must be calculated using S1, S2, and S3 divot points. (See 12.3.2.)Ball of Foot (BOF)The ball of foot (BOF) is located on the bottom of theshoe, at the lateral centerline, 200 mm from the heelpoint. It is used to define the pedal reference point(PRP) for the driver.A notch is provided along the lateral offset opening on the shoe. A more precise location can be calculated using S1, S2, and S3 divot points.4.6Support Points—There are nine support points; 5 are located on the outer surface of the cushion pan and 4on the back pan assembly (see Figure 8). The support points are provided to facilitate seat design. Additional information can be found in Section 16.TABLE 5—KEY REFERENCE LINESReference PointDescription and HPD Location HPM Location Back Line A line from the H-Point through the sliding thoracic pivot, located at the lateral centerline. The angle of this line fromvertical defines back angle.This line is established using the B1 and H1 divot points.Cushion Line A line from the H-point through the C1 divot point, located at the lateral centerline. The line runs along the top of thecushion pan. The angle of this line from horizontal definescushion angle.This line is established using the C1 and H1 divot points.Thigh LineA line from the H-Point through the knee pivot (along thebottom of the thigh segment). The angle of this line fromhorizontal defines thigh angle.This line can be established using the K1 and H1 divot points.Leg Line A line from the knee pivot through the ankle pivot (along the back side of the lower leg segment). The angle formedby the intersection of the thigh line and the leg line defineknee angle.This line can be established using K1 and S1 divot points.Bottom of Shoe A line from the heel of shoe through the BOF , at the lateralcenterline. The angle of this line from horizontal definesthe pedal plane angle (driver) or floor plane angle(passengers).The sole of the shoe is 3 mm thick, so the bottom of shoe lies 3 mm below the sole. It can also be calculated using the S2 and S3 divots (defines a line parallel to the bottom of shoe) or S1 and S3 divots (defines a perpendicularline).Bare Foot Flesh Line A line originating from a point 286.9 mm from the heel ofshoe, on the bottom of shoe line, at a 6.5 degree angle.The angle formed by the intersection of this line and theleg line define ankle (or foot) angle.Not provided.TABLE 6—DIVOT POINT OVERVIEWDivot Type Summary of UseBack Pan Divot Points (B1, B2) and Cushion Pan Divot Points (C1, H1R, H1L)The B1 point can be used with the H1 points to define the back angle. This can then be compared to B2 for a measure of lumbar support. The C1 point can be used with the H1 points to define thecushion angle. Additionally, B1 and B2 can be used together with C1 to define the centerline of the HPM.H-Point Divot Points(H1R & H1L)The H1 points are used to define the H-Point location. The actual H-Point is located at the intersection of centerline of the HPM, the back line and the cushion line. The H1 locations areaveraged to define the x, y, z coordinates of the H-Point. (Alternatively, B1, B2, and C1 can beused to define the H-Point y coordinate.)Shoe Divot Points (S1R, S1L, S2R, S2L, S3R and S3L)Shoe divot points are used to define the AHP (accelerator heel point). They can also be used todefine the PRP (pedal reference point), the pedal plane angle, and the floor plane angle.K Divot Points(K1L, K1R, and K2)K divot points can be used to locate the knee pivot point center. By using this in combination with the S1 and H1 points, knee angle can be determined.FIGURE 8—SUPPORT POINTS5.H-Point Design Tool (HPD)5.1File Format—The HPD is available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA, 15096-0001.Currently, it is only available in the IGES format. The IGES file can be used as a template for creating native geometry within the resident CAD system. (This is recommended.) Tolerances are provided in Section 16.5.2Datum Lines—In addition to the reference lines discussed in Section 3, other datum lines are provided toassist the user. (See Figure 2.)Lateral centerline of shoeLateral centerline of manikin (through back pan and cushion pan)Effective Head Room LineSection curves cut through support pointsAdditional section curves cut through the cushion and back pansThe additional section curves are provided to convey the size and shape of complex torso geometry. This is a quality assurance measure, and provides an effective way of validating geometry across CAD systems.6.H-Point Machine (HPM)—The HPM is available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA,15096-0001.6.1HPM-Specific Parts—In addition to the parts listed in Section 4, the HPM also contains the parts andcapabilities described as follows.6.1.1S HOE F IXTURE—The shoe fixture is unique to the HPM. It is used to hold the shoe tool in place on theaccelerator. (See Figure 9.)2 leveling screwsBubble levelFork (for attaching shoe tool)FIGURE 9—SHOE AND SHOE FIXTURE6.1.2S PRING L OADED P ROBE—The probe is used to deliver 89 N (20 lb) of force at the appropriate applicationsites.6.1.3F ORCE A PPLICATION S ITES—There are two sites for applying force using the spring loaded probe; one on theback pan and one on the cushion pan.6.1.4I NCLINOMETER (E LECTRONIC L EVEL)—An inclinometer is provided for determining various posture angleswhen using the HPM, including back angle, thigh angle, cushion angle, and pedal plane angle. Specific sites for placing the inclinometer – referred to as lands – are provided on the appropriate components.6.1.5I NCLINOMETER L ANDS—There are six locations provided for positioning the inclinometer; lower leg, thigh,head room fixture, shoe tool, back pan, and cushion pan.6.1.6W EIGHTS—The HPM comes with 3 types of weights: pelvic, thigh, and back. The total number of weights is24. T wo of the pelvic weights have beveled edges. See Section 16 for a full specification.6.1.7H EAD R OOM F IXTURE—A separate fixture is provided for measuring effective head room (see Figure 10 andSAE J1100, dimension code H61). The fixture consists of:Fork (for attaching to the HPM)An adjusting screw for setting the angle of the fixtureA land for measuring the angle of the fixtureA sliding tube with probeEffective head room scaleFIGURE 10—HEAD ROOM FIXTURE 6.1.8S HOE T OOL—(See Figure 9)—Unique parts include:Locking screwAnkle angle scaleBOF lateral offset scalePedal plane angle inclinometer land6.1.9L OWER L EG S EGMENT—(See Figure 11)—Unique parts include:Knee pivot slotLeg length scaleLeg length locking pinLeg length locking screwsKnee angle scaleLeg angle inclinometer land6.1.10T HIGH S EGMENT—(See Figure 12)—Unique parts include:Locking bushing (for attaching lower leg)Knee pivot rodThigh length scalesThigh length locking pinsThigh length locking screwsFork (for attaching to H-Point rod)Lateral leg position scaleThigh angle inclinometer landFIGURE 11—LOWER LEG SEGMENTFIGURE 12—THIGH SEGMENT6.1.11C USHION P AN—(See Figure 13)—Unique parts include:HandleH-Point saddle (with locations for pelvic weights)H-Point rodsLocking bushings (for attaching back pan)Locking bushings (for attaching thigh segment)Load application point (receptacle for spring loaded probe)Lateral levelThigh weight platform and locating pinsFIGURE 13—CUSHION PAN 6.1.12B ACK P AN A SSEMBLY—(See Figure 14)—Unique parts include:HandleTorso articulation locking leverH-Point shaft (sits on H-Point saddle)Load application point (receptacle for spring loaded probe)Back angle inclinometer landUpper weight rackLower weight rackFIGURE 14—BACK PAN7.Overview of Design Procedures—The HPD is used during design to establish key reference points within thevehicle, including the SgRP (seating reference point) for each occupant position, and heel points (accelerator heel point for the driver and floor reference points for passengers). These points are then used to configure and measure many aspects of the interior compartment.The SgRP is a specific and unique H-Point for a given designated seating position. (Although adjustable seats will have many H-Points within their H-Point travel path, only one H-Point is defined as the SgRP for any occupant position.) The SgRP is established early in the vehicle design process. The most critical SgRP is the one defined for the driver (SgRP-Front). It is used in positioning other design tools, defining a number of key vehicle dimensions (e.g., legroom, shoulder room, etc.), and is referenced by several national and international standards and regulations.8.Driver Designated Seating Position Design Procedures—This procedure is used to position the HPD in thecorrect location for the driver’s position, and establishes the SgRP-Front, pedal reference point (PRP), and accelerator heel point (AHP).8.1Determine the Initial Target Values—Determine the initial target values for the dimensions listed in Table 7(see SAE J1100 for definitions). Some of these values may be modified during the procedure, resulting indifferent final values.8.2Define Shoe Tool Location and Attitude—The shoe tool is positioned on the undepressed accelerator pedal.The flat area of the tool, from ball of foot (BOF) to the heel of shoe, lays on the pedal plane, with the BOF contacting the centerline of the accelerator, and the heel of shoe contacting the depressed floor covering. The pedal reference point (PRP) is the point on the accelerator centerline that is contacted by the BOF , while the accelerator heel point (AHP) is the point on the depressed floor covering that is contacted by the heel of shoe.(See Figure 15.)FIGURE 15—SHOE REFERENCE POINTSThe pedal plane angle defines the attitude of the shoe tool. When viewed from the side, the segment from BOF to the heel of the shoe is held at the pedal plane angle. Lateral splay is not permitted. In other words, the segment from BOF to the heel of the shoe is kept vertical and square to the grid when viewed from the rear.TABLE 7—VALUES FOR INITIAL POSITIONING OF THE HPD FOR DRIVERDimensionCode Final Values Seat HeightH30 –1(T arget)The final value of H30 will be defined during this procedure.Occupant Centerline W20 –1(T arget)If the seat track has an outboard/inboard angle, then the final value of W20may be different than the target value (depending on the fore-aft location ofSgRP).Back Angle A40 –1 = 22 degrees 22 degrees.A40 is a seat characteristic. It is neither calculated nor modified by thisprocedure. Rather, it is used to define the orientation of the back panassembly.Lumbar Support Prominence (LSP)L81 –1L81 is a seat characteristic. It is neither calculated nor modified by thisprocedure. Rather, it is used to posture the back pan articulation, specifyingthe distance (X) of the lumbar-pelvic pivot (L/P pivot) to the back line,measured normal to the back line (See Figure 3).LSP=57-X mmCushion Angle A27 –1A27 is a seat characteristic. It is neither calculated nor modified by thisprocedure. It is used to position the attitude of the cushion pan assembly.。
