Ergonomic Design Optimization for Train Seat Fit Parameters

This study is aimed at seat design optimization for high-speed train based on the Malaysians sitting anthropometrydata focusing on seat fit parameters. An analysis of anthropometry data composed of 15 dimensions that arerequired in seat design was done with 50 male subjects. These data were collected through direct measuringmethods with standard equipment. According to the Malaysian automotive seat fit parameters, the backrest width,backrest height, cushion width, and cushion length were established based on these anthropometric dimensions:interscye breadth (5th percentile female and 95th percentile male), hip breadth (95th percentile female), sittingshoulder height (5th percentile female), and buttock-popliteal length (5th percentile female), respectively. Thisstudy uses the CATIA software to design and analyse the proposed seat design. The fit parameters proposed for thenew design are seat height, 380mm; cushion width, 450mm; backrest width, 450mm and backrest height, 850mm.The CATIA human activity analysis (based on Rapid Upper Limb Analysis, RULA) was also executed. From the study,the new conceptual seat design gives the most optimized fit when compared to the current seat.

Biceps Brachii Muscle Contraction During Different Driving Postures

@#This study was conducted to analyses the Biceps Brachii (BB) muscle contraction during different driving postures. Drivers’ posture is one of the factors that contribute to driving fatigue that eventually may lead to road accident and injuries. The experiment conducted for this study is using the surface electromyography (SEMG) method for objective evaluation of muscle involved in driving activities. A total of 14 participants are involved in the experiment. The experiment was done on three different posture based on comfortable angles published by previous research. From the results analysis, the RMS value for activity left turn is lower than activity for right turn for all three postures and results also shows that posture B with elbow angle of 134° is perceived as most comfortable based on the lowest value of muscle contraction with a value of 15.67μV. The outcomes from this study are hoped to benefit both manufactures and also car users in ensuring better and optimum driving postures that can avoid fatigue and injuries.

An Ergonomic Approach For Designing A Seat For Fish Processing Workers

The present study aimed to design a sitting stool for fish processing worker to reduce the postural stress during work. The study was conducted on 74 male and female fish processing workers selected randomly. The Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) of the subjects was assessed by the modified Nordic Questionnaire method. The body joint angles were measured by a digital goniometer. The results revealed that MSD was highly prevalent in lower back region in both male (78.57%) and female (93.47%) workers. The results of body joint angles suggested a high degree of forward bending during work. Efforts were made to design a sitting stool considering the human factors of the users to reduce the postural problems. The stool was designed by considering 5th and 95th percentile values of different anthropometric dimensions of the male and female workers. Paired comparison tests were employed to determine optimum dimensions of the stool for ensuring the compatibility of the physical characteristics of the stool with human body. From the results of paired comparison test and anthropometric characteristics of the users, physical dimensions of the sitting stool were settled for final designing. From the results, the height of the stool was determined separately for male and female workers. In the suggested design the height of the seat was 25cm for male and 20cm for female where the length and depth of the seat were 40cm and 32cm respectively for both sexes.A mechanical system was incorporated in the design so that the same stool could be used by the male and female workers. Subjective evaluation indicated that most of the subjects (>75%) rated the seat as good or very good. The joint angle study with suggested seat showed improved working posture.