Vehicle Layout Conception Considering Vision Requirements

Conflicting goals, that have to be solved interdisciplinarily, occur in the vehicle development process in all development stages, due to diverse technical requirements. In this context ergonomic requirements are not always sufficiently weighted. For instance, it is measurable that window sizes of modern vehicles are steadily declining compared to those of their forerunner models. Also belt lines are gaining height constantly. This trend has a significant influence on the driver's view of the vehicle surroundings. Consequently, in recent years, the fields of vision degraded continuously. In order to counteract this negative trend actively, the question has to be raised, how vehicles should be configured with regard to the very relevant safety-related requirements of the driver's vision fields. The article gives an answer to this question by describing the user-centered and systematic layout conception of the vehicle greenhouse with special regard to the driver's direct visibility conditions.