Johnson Controls develops new hip-point mannequin that complies with international standards / Mannequin plays important role in measuring safety and comfort of automotive seating (BILD)

Burscheid, Germany (ots) -

- Cross reference: Pictures are available at
http://www.presseportal.de/galerie.htx?type=obs -

Hip-point mannequins are an indispensible element in the
engineering and production of automotive seating. They are used to
measure whether a vehicle can safely and comfortably accommodate the
driver and passengers. Since there are three different international
standards that define the characteristics and dimensions of these
mannequins, automakers and suppliers use various models. Johnson
Controls, the world's leading manufacturer of automotive seating, has
now developed a hip-point mannequin that complies with all three
standards.

"As a technology leader in automotive seating, we measure and test
our products every day in order to ensure the greatest possible
safety and optimal comfort," said Wilfried Beneker, vice president
engineering, product business unit metals and mechanisms at Johnson
Controls Automotive Seating. "Until now, however, there was no single
hip-point mannequin on the market that satisfied all three standards
and our high requirements. Therefore, it made sense for our engineers
to design their own mannequin."

The new hip-point mannequin from Johnson Controls meets standards
set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (standard SAE J 826), the
central specification for hip-point mannequins worldwide, and the
GLORIA standard for EuroNCAP tests. In addition, it also satisfies
recommendations of the German Association of the Automotive Industry
VDA (recommendation VDA 304).

The hip point plays a key role in the development of automotive
seating. It is the seating reference point (SgRP) in digital design
plans. Measurements are defined from this point in the vehicle,
including the distance to the steering wheel and gas pedal and the
driver's field of vision. Using a hip-point mannequin, the position
of the driver and passengers can be measured in prototypes and as
well as in the actual vehicle and then compared with the design
plans.

The measuring mannequin from Johnson Controls, with its carbon
torso, can also be fitted with a head restraint measurement device
(HRMD). This determines the position of the head in relation to the
head restraints.

The engineers at Johnson Controls have also developed a procedure
for calibrating the hip-point mannequin and head restraint
measurement device. The mannequin is clamped into a calibration
device and measured with a 3D coordinate measuring machine. An
optical 3D scanning system is used to test that the carbon torso
shell fully meets all standards after production as well.

This method ensures an especially high degree of measurement
accuracy and precise reproducibility of the process. In addition, the
engineers have also defined a detailed but user-friendly calibration
log. This allows users of the mannequin and head restraint
measurement device to easily check adherence to the detailed
specifications contained in the three standards.

Johnson Controls has been using the hip-point mannequin since June
2011. Following in-house practical testing for a year and a half, the
company is now offering the mannequin to automakers, other
manufacturers of automotive seating and external testing
organizations.

"The response to our mannequin has been extremely positive.
Several automakers have already shown interest in it," said Beneker.

Digital images are available online from
www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/press.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial
leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000
employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize
energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid
automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric
vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to
sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of
the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and
by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to
shareholders and making our customers successful.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience

Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating,
overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior
electronics. We support all major automakers in the differentiation
of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced
manufacturing capabilities. With 240 locations worldwide, we are
where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort
and style of our products, from single components to complete
interiors. With our global capability we supply approximately 50
million cars per year.

For more information, please contact:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Seating
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid Germany

Oliver Herkert
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4348
E-Mail: oliver.herkert@jci.com

Internet: www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @JCseating