Evaluation of the seat index point tool for military seats

Abstract

This study evaluated the ISO 5353 Seat Index Point Tool (SIPT) as an alternative to the SAE J826 H-point manikin for measuring military seats. A tool was fabricated based on the ISO specification and a custom backangle measurement probe was designed and fitted to the SIPT. Comparisons between the two tools in a wide range of seating conditions showed that the mean SIP location was 5 mm aft of the H-point, with a standard deviation of 7.8 mm. Vertical location was not significantly different between the two tools (mean -0.7 mm, sd 4.0 mm). A high correlation (r=0.9) was observed between the back angle measurements from the two tools. The SIPT was slightly more repeatable across installations and installers than the J826 manikin, with most of the discrepancy arising from situations with flat seat cushion angles and either unusually upright or reclined back angles that caused the J826 manikin to be unstable. The investigators who performed the measurements indicated that the SIPT was easier to use. The data show that the SIPT is a reasonable substitute for the SAE J826 manikin when ease-of-use considerations favor the SIPT, such as restricted space around the seat, low seat heights, or low cushion angles. Human posture measurements in seats with large discrepancies between the tools will be needed to determine which provides a better prediction of sitter position.