Ms Thesis: Effects of body characteristics on lap belt fit and comfort
A quick look here can save lives!
Seat belts, comprising a shoulder portion and a lap portion, play a crucial role in occupant safety. The shoulder belt is routed through a D-ring mounted on the B-pillar, while the lap belt is routed and connected to the buckle via the tongue. The buckle itself is typically attached to the seat structure.
Previous research has investigated how occupant body characteristics influence seat belt fit and comfort. Findings indicate that older adults and individuals with higher BMI often experience suboptimal belt and buckle geometry, leading to reduced comfort and diminished safety.
The aim of this master’s thesis is to explore the effects of body characteristics in relation to lap belt fit and comfort.
Research Questions
- How does the lap belt fit vary with occupant size and shape, and sitting posture?
- How comfortable is the lap belt for a given particular geometry?
- How do user-preferred adjustments to the seatbelt geometry affect the fit and comfort?
This volunteer study will identify user-preferred buckle anchorage positions based on comfort feedback and report parameters influencing lap belt comfort. A user-centered evaluation method will be employed to assess comfort preferences. The experimental setup will include a dedicated testing rig and other relevant tools to support data collection. The expected task in this thesis includes:
- Comprehensive literature review on lap belt fit and comfort attributes in relation to occupant size and shape, sitting posture, and seatbelt geometry.
- Identification of preferred buckle and anchor positions from an end-user perspective.
- 3D scan data of preferred buckle and anchor positions and lap belt fit.
- Measurement of participants’ body characteristics.
- Lap belt fit data and corresponding photographic documentation.
- Analysis of lap belt fit, buckle position, and body characteristics.
This master thesis findings contribute to the FFI project “Safe and Comfortable seat belts for all” https://www.vinnova.se/en/p/safe-and-comfortable-seat-belts-for-all/
Number of students: 2. Individuals can apply separately and be paired up later.
Prerequisites: Students who have taken courses in Human Factors/Ergonomics/User-centered design/ Biomechanics will have an added advantage. In addition, students must be registered as university students and be eligible to undertake a master’s thesis.
Information and contact
Financial compensation from Autoliv will be awarded to students.
Supervisors
Arun Muthumani (arun.muthumani@autoliv.com)
Amanda Hederskog (amanda.hederskog@autoliv.com)
Expert guidance: Ekant Mishra (ekant.mishra@autoliv.com)
- Function
- Engineering, Development & Research
- Locations
- Autoliv Research - Vårgårda - ADS
- Remote status
- Hybrid
Autoliv Research - Vårgårda - ADS
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About Autoliv Sweden
Autoliv is the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems. Through our group companies, we develop, manufacture and market protective systems, such as airbags, seatbelts, and steering wheels for all major automotive manufacturers in the world as well as mobility safety solutions.
At Autoliv, we challenge and redefine the standards of mobility safety to sustainably deliver leading solutions. In 2024, our products saved 37,000 lives and reduced 600,000 injuries.
Our ~65,000 colleagues in 25 countries are passionate about our vision of Saving More Lives and quality is at the heart of everything we do. We drive innovation, research, and development at our 13 technical centers, with their 20 test tracks.