A Matrix-Based Approach to Investigate the Geometrical Dependencies between Non-Driving-Related Tasks and Future Vehicle Concepts

Abstract

Caused by the technology of automated driving the user is temporarily released from driving and can perform non-driving-related tasks (NDRTs), such as sleeping or working. The aim of this paper is to describe the geometrical interdependencies between NDRTs and different vehicle types, to be able to integrate them in the geometric package of the early phase of the vehicle conception. To address the objective a literature based study of existing approaches for vehicle conception and NDRT-studies was carried out. Additionally interviews with n=15 experts from the automotive conception department and a databased analysis of n=259 vehicles was conducted. Based on these investigations 91 geometrical characteristics for NDRTs and vehicle types werde determined and combined through a matrix-based approach. By analysing the approach highly connected characteristics such as the torso angle were identified and equations were set up to describe the relations. The approach can be used for different NDRTs such as relaxing and working and different vehicle types such as sporty cars or SUVs in order to integrate them into the package.