Tools within OpenVSP to create a human figure you could use in CAD

[superleggera]

Just passing this information along as several people have queried me about creating a "human figure" (posable) and then being able to use it in their favorite CAD program (Solidworks, Fusion 360, etc)

Software used: https://openvsp.org/   [It is FREE.]

OpenVSP is a parametric aircraft geometry tool that had some NASA folks involved along the way.  Within the software is a toolset to configure people sitting (or standing) within cockpits.  You can change height, BMI, age demographic, positioning and more.  Lots of aircraft over the years have been designed or at least roughed parameters to build an experimental airplane.  Powerful toolset within OpenVSP worth leveraging.

Create your posed figure (based on your dimensions or the biggest guy driving the vehicle!) and then EXPORT it as an OBJ, STL, DFX or whatever you want.

Attached is an example with Open VSP (and the human configurator toolset).  62 year old male. 72in tall.  260lbs.  And drank too much beer!  Folded up to fit within a cockpit of something to go fast. 

Here is a video in how to create a figure and change the angle back, shoulders, legs, elbows, knees, etc.  Worthwhile to watch!  --> https://youtu.be/wF_ag4G6As4

That gets you a figure itself to put into your CAD model that is properly dimensioned.  Import it 1:1 scale.

Go then to GRABCAD and you can download a HCJ helmet with a HANS device and then import it into your favorite CAD program and position accordingly.  [The helmet is properly dimensioned.]

download link here --> https://grabcad.com/library/hjc-si-12-racing-helmet-1 [Create a profile to download at no cost.  All models can be downloaded for FREE.]

VERIFY VERIFY and VERIFY again the dimensions.  Think about allowances for fire suits and more. 

I'm sure a few people will find the above helpful -- or at least for the people upcoming who integrate a lot of CAD technology into what they are building.

[Stan Back]

Huh?

[Rex Schimmer]

I'm with you Stan, I missed the CAD train back in the 70s. Pretty handy stuff but I have a thing called a drawing board and it has a drafting machine attached and I am (was) a pretty fair draftsman so I use "pencil CAD" when I make drawings. I typically make drawings for anything that I machine or fabricate as it minimizes errors. My human figure is made up of body parts held together with thumb tacks and scaled to whatever the drawing scale is. Works for me.

Rex

[WOODY@DDLLC]

Matt, I've used this guy but he's too fit as is: https://grabcad.com/library/mr-dummy
LSR is a volume problem - 3D works really well for this! 
Most of what I start with is still a napkin sketch.