New Ergonomic Technology Applied At Bentley

3 September 2008| Source: Applied PLM Solutions

Passion for Performance

Bentley utilises RAMSIS from Applied PLM Solutions to exceed comfort expectations of Bentley drivers and passengers.

All Bentley’s prestigious models have digital test drivers. The concept layout, package, and design of the Continental GTC, Azure and Brooklands are tested and ergonomically and improved using the human modeling tool RAMSIS, from Applied PLM Solutions.

Feeling the Power

Bentley has been deploying leading edge ergonomic software RAMSIS to develop better front seat positions, rear occupancy space, and confirmation of vision to primary components. “Prior to RAMSIS we had to create a physical model and a vehicle simulator (buck) to identify and resolve ergonomic concerns, a time-consuming and expensive process. RAMSIS allows Bentley to identify major packaging problems before a costly ergonomic buck or clay model is manufactured,” says John Dickenson, Pre Development Cabin Zone Package Manager at Bentley. “The ergonomic software has helped to further streamline our design process.”

RAMSIS software is supplied in the UK by Applied PLM Solutions, a software provider and Dassault Systèmes Value Added Reseller, 3DVIA specialists, and CATIA and ENOVIA consultants, responsible for helping OEMs and their supply chains reap the maximum benefit from advanced software technology.

Shaun Clark, Applied MD said, “By effectively reducing the distinction between virtual and real cabins and their occupants, RAMSIS is a boon to Bentley’s designers and ergonomists who must deliver ever-higher levels of comfort, safety and utility. Because RAMSIS is based on real people and their actions it stands alone in the market and fills a growing need for absolute realism in the design process.”

Workflow a Smooth Journey

“RAMSIS studies are fundamental in our pre-development and target-setting phase for a new vehicle.” Bentley’s Dickenson continued, “Digital RAMSIS studies allow the pre development team to resolve basic problems and ensure that a vehicle’s first physical properties are well considered. We use the buck to validate digital RAMSIS studies and demonstrate the vehicle package ergonomics and Hard Points (motion, kinematics and dynamics) to the rest of the business. At styling and design progress, we use RAMSIS to approve detailed changes to, for example, cabin equipment, sightlines, and instrument positions.

“RAMSIS also facilitates communication within and beyond departments. Bentley benefits from the software’s ability to create a frozen manikin surface. The pre-development department produces a 2D package and hard point documentation that defines principle dimensions and package targets. RAMSIS is used to confirm the front seat and steering wheel adjustment by creating manikins that represent shortest to tallest occupants. These manikins are frozen in position and released to Engineering as a set of surfaces to represent space targets for knee room, headroom and hard points and to define eye points. Previously, engineers had only simple 2D manikin templates to work with; great for creating sections but no help when developing trim surfaces. They now use a RAMSIS surface model to ensure 3D clearance targets are met.”

Comfortable with Ergonomics
RAMSIS studies are key to understanding and demonstrating the ergonomic issues of occupants with a wide range of body sizes. RAMSIS ensures Bentley can be confident that their designs are suitable for all.

The Bentley team has even modeled their CEO and chief engineer as RAMSIS manikins, to better understand the subjective feedback received from the ergonomic buck.

First in Ergonomics
Five years ago – when introducing the ergonomic software Bentley validated RAMSIS studies completed on the first projects using an ergonomic buck. These digital results were so close to those from physical bucks that RAMSIS quickly become an important decision support and risk mitigation tool. Major concept and ergonomic features are regularly supported digitally with ergonomic studies. In one example, RAMSIS proved valuable in the concept and style feasibility phase of the Azure and Brooklands. Studies for these models focused on ensuring sufficient rear leg and shoulder room. Both cars have class leading rear occupancy space. Further studies were undertaken to optimise the position of a new front seat belt and to make steering column adjustments.

Comfort Targets
Bentley has customised many features within RAMSIS, using the software to implement strategic targets. They have created unique manikins based on anthropometrical data ensuring vehicles meet the comfort expectations of all users. Dickenson explained, “We were able to use manikins to define the rear compartment surfaces in the Azure and Brooklands.”

In The Long Run
Customers expect comfort from a premium car brand and Bentley has developed its abilities to meet this expectation through RAMSIS. RAMSIS is able to predict an occupant’s seating position within the seat’s adjustment range. This allows Bentley to optimise the position of a new seat in the vehicle. The seat positions are then used to define steering wheel position and armrest heights and to confirm vision to the kombi (main dials) through the steering wheel.

Dial Column Issues
Good vision to of kombi is essential for comfortable and safe driving. However, Bentley’s interior design creates unique challenges. The symmetrical design, use of solid wood and traditional style dials, result in them being positioned close to the steering wheel. Most modern cars have dials set deep within a binnacle. Bentley dials; mounted within wooden surfaces, appear larger in the steering wheel aperture potentially limiting individual’s column adjustment range. Therefore, particular attention is devoted to visibility in relation to the position of the column to suit diverse drivers.

RAMSIS provides the Bentley engineers with greater flexibility for creative and innovative solutions within the typical Bentley style. Dickenson said, “We can simulate a range of concepts for dial and column positions on the computer and give a quick response to Styling. The design can go through numerous digital iterations before we create the design in a buck or clay model.”

Intercontinental Plans
Bentley is experiencing rapid growth in Russia, India, and China and the company is developing localized manikins to reflect regional anthropometrics.

Future projects at Bentley will use RAMSIS v5 to optimise occupant space and comfort. Dickenson commented, “We will be working closely with our Styling Team to ensure that our new models have the world’s best interior design with minimal ergonomic compromise.”

Shaun Clark of Applied concluded, “Digital product development and prototyping are becoming increasingly important and ergonomics plays a crucial role in the process. RAMSIS enables fully digital ergonomic analysis and development which saves time, increases accuracy and produces a far better outcome for manufacturers and consumers alike.”


For Further information:

Applied PLM Solutions : www.AppliedGroup.com
Tel: +44 (0)1332 813340

For more information:
Visit: http://www.AppliedGroup.com
Contact: Shaun Clark

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