FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus to develop an ergonomic buck
interface configuration within can be, but not limited toautonomous vehicle, electric
vehicle, aviation, marine cockpits and passenger cabins or vehicle interiors .
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BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
Ergonomics, or the interaction of the vehicle with the user, is becoming an important
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factof in the design of vehicles. Ergonomics involves the special nilationship of various
components with each other and the user, such as the driver or passenger of a vehicle.
In today's practice of vehicle development, a comparison of various ergonomic factors, a
number of different bucks would be designed, each having a different relationship of . . i
components. Consumers sit in or view each buck and provide their opinions in response
to detailed· questions relating to various facets of each design. The current process
consumes time/ material and generates scattered data which results in loss of time and
resources. This information is utilized by the vehicle manufacturer to develop a new
vehicle or to re.f ine an.existing ve.h icle.
It is important in designing a vehicle package to make efficient cost-effective allocation
of space within the vehicle package .
Therefore, to overcome the problem, we need to have the universal ergonomic bucks
which will be universal for small vehicle to big and heavy vehicles likeautonomous
vehicle, electric vehicle, aviation, marine cockpits and passenger cabins .
PRIOR ART:
US 5,384, 704,discloses a simulated vehicle includes body panels arranged in a simulated
vehicle position and movably mounted on an internal support structure attached to a platform .. The body panels are moved by a control unit in any of up/down, fore/aft, cross
. car and tilt directions. Certain of the body panels are formed of frrst and second
telescopingly overlapping panel sections which are extendable and retractable ·with
respect to each other by the control unit. The panel sections are configured to present .a
solid exterior surface in any extended and retracted position.
US 20070038422_ A discloses computer-implemented inethod for rapidly designing a
vehicle pacKage is disclosed. The method receives virtual vehicle package model data,
converts the data into mechanical vehicle package model data and transmits the data to a
mechanical vehicle package model system. A method is also disclosed for adjusting the
mechanical model, converting the adjustment into data readable by a computer aided
design system and transmitting the data to the computer aided design system for
generating or modifying the virtual vehicle package. A system for designing a vehicle
package is disclosed having a mechanical vehicle package model, a computer aided
. design system, a translator embodied in a computer system in communication with the
computer aided design system and a mechanical vehicle package model in
. communication with the translator.
US6,371, 766Bldiscloses ·a dimensionally adjustable vehicle component and/or a
simulated entire vehicle includes body panels and vehicle components arranged in a
simulated vehicle position and movably motinted on internal support structure for
dimensional adjustment in fore/aft, up/down and lateral directions to form a variety of
different spatial relationships between the vehicle components. A drive mechanism, ·
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typically including a motor and a rotatable drive shaft, is coupled to each dimensionally
adjustable vehicle component support structure for adjusting the dimensional position of
a selected component via control signals from a central controller. An encoder is coupled
to each rotatable shaft output and generates actual travel position information for the
controller to determine the actual position · of the selected, dimensionally adjusted ·
component.US 20140060216 Al discloses a test buck, a test buck system and related method are
disclosed. The test buck system may comprise a controller and a test buck. The
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test buck may include a portable bed, a seat module mounted to the bed, and a frrst OIM
disposed on the bed. At least a portion of the frrst OIM may be selectively moveable in at
least four degrees of freedom, up to six degrees of freedom. The controller may be
electrically connected to a first Operator Interface Module (OIM). The controller may be
configured to selectively move at least a portion of the frrst OIM in at least four to six
degrees of freedom.
The article entitled "Design of the Adjustable Vehicle Seating Buck for Ergonomics
Verification" discloses to avoid the risk of big change cause by unreasonable ergonomics
· parameter and save development time, vehicle research institute usually build a seating
buck. The Se~ting buck is a physical cabin model of passenger car for ergonomics
verification. It is widely used· to assess the amenity, ingress and egress, visual field,
habitability, etc. This paper aims to introduce the design of an adjustable seating buck,
which can be significantly reduce the development risk, time and cost. The interior
dimensions can be adjusted as needed. It is able to emulate cabins from class-A to classC.
By the help of the highly adjustable seating buck, most of the ergonomic verification
can be performed on this Seating Buck quick and, easily.
httos:/ /www.tib.eu/en/search/id/tema%3A TEMA20 1211 02963/Design-of-the-AdjustableVehicle-
Seating-Buck-for/
"The article by UMTRI entitled as "Vehicle Ergonomics Laboratories" discloses Several
automotive seating bucks allow simulating a wide range of vehicle interior package
geometries for use in studying driver positioning and vehicle-seated anthropometry, belt
fit, optimal design, placement, and adjustment features of primary driver controls, and
occupant short- and long-term comfort in relationship to vehicle seat factors. These test
facilities pe'rrnit quickly interchanging and/or adjusting the positions and orientations of
vehicle components, such as seats, steering wheels, pedals, gear shifters, roof liners,windshields; armrests, belt anchorages, and driver-side doors, depending on the needs of
a particular study. UMTRI also has a seating buck to simulate heavy-truck cab geometry.
http://www.umtri.umich.edu/what-we-offer/veh.icle-ergonomics-laboratoriesf
The article entitled as "Ergonomic Buck" disclosing the ergonomic bucks prototype
where dashboard set, pinnacle; instrument cluster have been macte for ergo bucks.
· https ://centro-id. com/2 0 15/07/29/ergonomic-buck-next -generation-cab/
Thus, in the view of above prior art, there are many patents and article which talks about
programmable vehicle model and bucks. Here, the present invention provides a single
\ interior which will get adjusted through the configurational data (coordinates and angle
data).OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
The principal objective of the present invention is to develop CNC (computer numerical
control) physical ergonomic buck proportionate to actual human size with a software
interface .configurator to support automotive but not limited to, autonomous or electric
. vehicle, aviation, marine cockpit and passenger cabins design and development.
Anotl1er objective of the present invention to ensure that users of any age and physical
size be more comfortable to use the vehicle more efficiently which results in better
comfort while commuting.
Yet anotl1er obj~ctive of ilie invention is to provide ergonomic smart assistswhich helps
user to know about -ideal ergonomic configuration based uj)on the dimensions of the
vehicle and available global data of existing vehicles.
Yet another objective of the invention is ADA (anthropometry data assist), which smartly
assists the nser to find the configuration based upon country, region, gender, age etc.
Yet another o~jective of the invention is to allow the user .to select the data from huge
library or presets.
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Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an intuitive GUI (graphical
user interface)/ remotely control/ mobile applications etc. for ease of use/ navigation.
Yet another objective of present invention to provide the system to graphically compare
the two presets which let the user to do the quick comparison of the placement of all the
components in the form of deviation from the reference preset or datum coordinates .
Yet another objective of tl1e present invention is to provide SNA (smart norms assist) to
user about the passenger safety and suggestion about ergonomic hardpoints.Further, the
norms provided will be updated time to time according to region/ country.Yet another objective of the present invention is to define the vision cone and blind,spots
graphically to the user according to data selected by user ,referringto Anthropometry Data
Assist system.
Yet·another objective of the present invention is to provide real-time/ on-spotphysical
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change in the coordinates or the positioning of every part.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to move the individual components &
parts of every component to the desired coordinates I configuration on the command of
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the software with the help of electronic and mechanical actuators but not limited to
hydraulic, pneumatic, magnetic etc.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the additional system - CIW
(component interference warning) which can alert the user aboutdegree of freedom,
interference point etc. and suggest better configuration.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the UDM (user data .
management) system to keep track of different type of configuration which can be used
as preset files for future development.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to ensure new dimension of perfection,
· in the field of ergonomics be introduced to the automotive industry (vehicles but not
limited to, autonomous vehicle, electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, aviation, marine
cockpits and passenger cabins).
Yet another objective of the present invention to optimize resources to reduce time and
cost.
At the outset of the description that follows, it is to be understood that the ensumg
description only illustrates a particular form of this invention. However, such a particular form is only an exemplary embodiment and is not intended to be taken restrictively to
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imply any limitation on tbe scope of the present invention. SUMMARY OF INVENTION:
A universal automotive ergonomic buck is disclosed. The invention discloses a single
interior buck catering to all possible ergonomic requirements for different types of
vehicles like but not limited to, autonomous vehicle, electric vehicle, aviation, marine
cockpits and passenger cabins etc. A computer aided design system is provided with
inbuilt coordinate model data for a vehicle. A translator is in communication with the
computer aided design system for converting the configuration data (coordinates and
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angles) into mechanical data for adjustment. The inbuilt data includes ranging from small
car to a biggest commercial vehicle, designing an Interior buck in which every part of
vehicle for example Dashboard, Centre console, seats, door panels, steering column, gear,
pedal cluster, instrument panel, roof, A-Pillar, B-Pillar, C-pillar, D-pillar can move
individually in all axes (X, Y, Z).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
Ergonomics is the very basic necessity of any vehicle design and development, as it deals
with ease of human interaction with the machine. As much as, it is important to the
industry there is no device or equipment that caters to the entire automotive industry for
all the ergonomic needs, because of which every manufacture is depended on digital or
temporary physical bucks for individual vehicle. The present invention provides a design
in one interior buck catering to all possible ergonomic requirements for different types.of
vehicles ranging from a small car to a biggest commercial vehicle, but not limited to,
electric vehicle, autonomous vehicle, aviation, marine cockpits and passenger cabins etc ..
The present invention is to provide an intuitive ·GUI (graphical user interface)/ remotely
control/ mobile applications etc.' for ease of use/ navigation. A computer aided design
system is provided with in built coordinate model data for a vehicle. A translator is in
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commw1ication with the computer aided design system for converting the coordinates
and angle data into mechanical data for adjustment. These movements can be derived manually, mechanically, electronically I using ·gear system I hydraulic system I pneumatic
system etc. While all the elements can move individually they fit in one single buck and
create a vehicle environment which will help the user to sit in the buck and feel the space
in real-time. The individual part like Dashboard, Centre console, seats, door panels,
steering column, pedal cluster, instrument panel, gear, roof, A-Pillar, B-Pillar, C-pillar,
D-pillar are modular and can be retrofitted with new parts of new design for design
validation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A universal automotive ·ergonomic buck is disclosed. The invention discloses a single
interior buck catering to all possible ergonomic requirements for different types of
vehicles. The present invention provides a design in one interior buck catering to all
possible ergonomic requirements for different types of vehicles ranging from a small car
to a biggest commercial vehicle, but not limited to, electric vehicle, autonomous vehicle,
aviation, marine coclq)its and passenger cabins etc.
Shown in Fig.l is a vehicle ergonomic buck surface plate) embodying the present
invention. The surface plate I supports the whole structure. The surface plate I is made
up of, but not limited to hard steel plate, cast iron etc.The guide rails 3 relate to surface
plate. The guide rails 3. carries or supports the movement of components. The firewall 2
mimic as an actual firewall of the vehicles. The firewall can move and have variable
angle setting according to use. The dashboard support 4 supports the components of
dashboard. The dashboard support 4 also defines the placement of dashboard like height,
width & length etc.
Further, in embodiment I, Fig. I, Shoulder line belt 5, lies along with B-Pillar 9 and CPillar
I 0. The shoulder line belt 5 mimic the virtUal shoulder line level for ergonomic
assessment. The shoulder line belt 5 further consist of mechanism of roller and belt. The
roller and belt further used for changing the parameters of shoulder line.
Further the embodiment I, Fig. 1, front seat 6 is just to mimic the actual front driver and
co-driver seats in actual vehicle having movement in three axi's (X, Y and Z). The
movement can be done by either hydraulic or electronic movement. Further, rear seat 8
mimic the back seat of the actual vehicle. The length adjuster 7 used for increasing and
decreasing of width of the vehicle .
Further, the pedal sliders 12 mimic the actual vehicle pedals ABC (accelerator, brake, and
clutch) and can be moved in ·three axis on their dedicated movable pedal assembly 13.
.The center console 15, mimic the ideas about hand brake, arm rest, audio control, ac
vents, gear-lever etc.Further, the instruments panel 16, upward to steering column mimic the position of
speedometer, MID display etc.
Fig. 2, the embodiment 2, depicts the flow diagram of the working process of.ergonornic
buck which consists of:
I. Ergonomic smart assist
This system will smartly suggest ideal ergonomic ·configuration based upon the
dimensions of the vehicle and available global data of existing vehicles. The system will
have a specialized algorithm for this. However ,they will not insist on keeping the
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suggested configuration and user can easily overwrite them.
2. Anthropom.etry Data Assist
This system will also assist the user with the anthropometric data, will find the various
favorable configuration based upon the country or region, gender, age selected from the.
presets available in the system, the system will have the huge database of anthropometric
data collected from every region.
3. Smart Norms assist
The system will also assist user witl1 tl1e various norms/regulation made for passenger
safety and will suggest the ergonomic hard points accordingly. The norms provided will
be updated time to time according to politicaJ or geographical region/ country.
4.Vision Cone
The system ·will also tell user about the vision cone or the blind spots of all.the passengers
based on the configuration and country region selected, referring to Antlrropometry Data
Assist system .
5. Interactive GUI
This system will have an easy and intuitive GUl for easy of navigation. The user has ease
to operate it and have a user interface like a CAD modelling software. It will be easy to
navigate. It will facilitate the user to compare two presets graphically.6. Component Interference warning·
This system will also tell about the compon~nt interference, an additional feature which
can alert the user about degree of freedom, interference point etc. and suggest better
configuration.
7. On the spot changes
This system will allow the user to interactively change the components of the buck using
the CAD model available in the GUI of the buck comes with package. With the help of
mouse only,· user will be able to move, tumble, pan through the model and set the
configuration which eventually will give the coordinates of the hard points of an
individual components.
8. UDM (User Data Management) system
This system comes with UDM which smartly manages the data ofthe user presets and the
defaults provided with the package. UDM manages both the libraries effectively so to
make the navigation within different parts easy.
9. Preset Comparison in GUI
The system can also compare the two presets in the GUI which will let the user to do the
quick. comparison o( the placement of all the components. ln the form of deviation from
the reference preset or datum coordinates.
The· invention ensuresnew dimension of perfection, in the field of ergonomics will be
introduced to the automotive industry (vehicles but not limited to, autonomous vehicle,
electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, aviation, marine cockpits and passenger cabins) .
The invention will createnewer possibilities of rethinking the interiors of the vehicle with
new technology's coming for research in automotive industries.

CLAIMS
1. A universal automotive ergonomic buck consists of:
-· 1.1 The surface plate to supports the whole structure,
1.2 Guide rails calries or supports the movement of components,
I.J Dashboard support to hold the components of actual dashboard,
1.4 The shoulder line consists of mechanism of roller and belt used for changing the
parameter of the shoulder line,
1.5 The front and the back seats to depict the idea about the driver and co-driver and the
back seat,
1.6 The foot pedals can move in three axis on the dedicated movable pedal assembly,
1.7 The UDM (user data management) manage the user data,
1.8 The ergonomic smart assist newer possibilities of rethinking the interiors of the vehicle,
1.9 The ADA (anthropometry data assist) the user to fmd the configuration based upon
country, region, gender, age etc,
1.10 The intuitive GUI (graphical user interface)/ remotely controV mobile applications etc.
for ease of use/ navigation,
·1.11 The SNA (Smart Norms Assist) to assist about passenger safety and suggestion about
ergonomic hard points,
1.12 The vision cone assists the user about the blind spots,
2. The universal automotive ergonomic buck defined in claim 1, the firewall mimics as an actual
firewall of the vehicles and can move arid have variable angle setting according to use.
3. The vehicle defined in Claim 1 where automotive are, but not limited to automotive,
autonomous or electric vehicle, aviation, marine cockpit and passenger cabins.The front seat of claim 1.5 where, the movement can ~e hydraulic or electronic.
5. The UDM (user data management) of claim 1. 7 where, the user data is preset library.
6. The ADA(anthropometry data assist) of claim 1.9 where, the data get updated as region/
country.
7. The universal automotive ergonomic buck, claim l, where all. the individual components &
parts of every component to the desired coordinates I configuration on the command of the
software with the· help of electronic and mechanical actuators but not limited to hydraulic,
pneumatic, magnetic etc.