Development of a distributed representative human model generation and analysis system (DRHM-GAS): Application to optimization of flight suit and pilot oxygen mask sizing systems

Abstract

A computerized system is needed for effective determination of the sizing system of a multiple-size product. The present study developed a distributed representative human model generation and analysis system (DRHM-GAS) which can generate various sizing system candidates for a target population using different DRHM generation methods and evaluate the sizing system candidates. A five-step DRHM generation procedure (target population characterization, anthropometric variable selection, key dimension selection, grid formation, and DRHM size determination) was developed and implemented into the DRHM-GAS. A generated sizing system candidate is evaluated in the DRHM-GAS by a set of metrics including multivariate accommodation percentage and the number of sizing categories. The effectiveness of the DRHM-GAS was examined with two case studies of the development of optimal sizing systems for men's flight suit design based on the anthropometric data of US Army pilots and pilot oxygen mask design based on the facial anthropometric data of ROKAF pilots. The DRHM-GAS would be of use for product designers to establish an appropriate sizing system with efficiency.