Ergonomic design: experimental studies of multi-task vehicle

摘要

The design of off-road vehicles is complicated. Particularly when the driving, is accompanied with another task, simultaneously (e.g. plowing). Such a complex environment may lead to human error and end up with an accident. In Australia, 20-25 percent of vehicle accidents' casualties are from off-road accidents. The literature suggests three combined and important aspects, in vehicle design: vision control, anthropometrical fitting and biomechanical considerations. No study is found which supports an off-road vehicle design from all three aspects together. In addition, the extensive use of computer aided design (CAD) in the vehicles' design stages, produce only qualitative results. This study presents a pioneering experimental ergonomic research, of an off-road cabin design. The research inquires the three aspects, combined, generating quantitative results. These results produce a better fitted design to the operator and his operational needs, which help the engineer to design a cabinthat may lead to less strenuous sitting postures and fatigue.