A method to evaluate the perceived ease of use of human-machine interface in agricultural tractors equipped with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

At the end of the 20th century the adoption of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) was one of the disruptive technological advances in agricultural tractors. Several changes in the Human Machine Interface (HMI) of the tractor cab have been introduced to accommodate this technology. HMIs are known to raise issues about their ease of use; however, this topic has been under-investigated in the agricultural sector. The present study introduces a method to investigate the perceived ease of use of the HMI of agricultural tractors equipped with technological innovations. The HMI required to manage a CVT tractor was evaluated by sixteen tractor drivers (8 novices and 8 experts). During the first contact with the machine and after having performed two targeted tasks with the tractor, participants filled in a questionnaire about the ease of use of the controls and of the touch-screen display, and evaluated the general perception of ease of use, safety, quality and solidity of the machine. The trial pointed out some significant differences between novices and experts, thus confirming the validity of the proposed method. In particular, novice users showed some difficulties when interacting for the first time with the HMI of the CVT tractor working station, whereas experts did not report similar difficulties. Thus, expertise seems to play a role in determining the quality of the interaction with the HMI. Training interventions should be designed to help novices in increasing their expertise effectively, avoiding effort and errors and improving user’s comfort and system performance

User-centered design criteria in automobile design with a case study of automobile dashboard design

Thesis(Master)--Izmir Institute of Technology, Industrial Design, Izmir, 2006Includes bibliographical references (pages: 100-102)Text in English; Abstract: Turkish and Englishxi,102 leavesOur era provides us enormous changes and unforeseen advancements in technology, which lead to specific changes in economic and socio-cultural values. As a result of this shift, consumer.s need and expectations have changed into a search for new experiences. Companies, in search of satisfying the new expectations of this era.sconsumer, aspire to be innovative. To achieve this, they are concentrate on the user as the main source of innovation and design their products taking into consideration ergonomic, user needs and functionality. Automotive Industries is the one of the most developed and changed industries. Nowadays, especially interior of the automobile has changed with significant development. This paper describes and discusses the approach development aspects, and evoluation phases of a new generation interior design of automobile. The primary interest in the driver.s environment is the relationship between the driver.s seat, steering wheel and dashboard location. These are the workstation components that the driver required to stay in constand contact with, and the location of these control dictates the driver.s posture. Consequently, this study mainly aims to explore the role of user-centered design criterias for design phase and the role of ergonomic and human factors for automobile dashboard design

DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE SYSTEMS Development of a driving simulator Analysis and design of an automatic transmission for motor-scooters

In this work, two researches in the field of dynamic analysis of vehicle systems are presented. The first part of the thesis deals with the development of a driving simulator. This activity was carried out in the framework of a research project co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR). It aimed at developing a driving simulator for the analysis of the driving style, in order to identify potentially dangerous conditions coming from a non proper interaction between driver, vehicle and environment, especially those related to low driver’s attention. As core part of the driving simulator, a vehicle simulation model, which reproduces the behaviour of the main vehicle systems, was developed. The simulator is made of a fixed driving platform, a single channel visual system and allows to acquire all driver’s inputs and vehicle motion signals. The system was involved in experimental campaigns which allowed the development of the driving style analysis techniques and demonstrated the reliability and the capability of the system. The second part of the thesis treats the dynamic analysis and design of a high efficiency automatic transmission for motor-scooters and was carried out in the framework of the Italian MUSS project funded by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. Motor-scooters are currently almost always equipped with CVT transmission with rubber belt. This transmission can be very cheap to manufacture, it has good comfort performance but low mechanical efficiency. An alternative automatic transmission was analysed and different architectures were studied. The system is based on a discrete ratio gear box with mechanical control of the gear shit by means of centrifugal clutches and free wheels. A dynamic model of the transmission was developed and its behaviour was investigated by means of results of simulated manoeuvres, highlighting the positive and negative aspects of the system. Finally, a preliminary design was also carried out with reference to an application of the transmission in a hybrid powertrain

Estonian University of Life Sciences Institute of Technology XI Master Students Conference 20.04.2017

Estonian University of Life Sciences Institute of Technology XI Master Students Conference 20.04.201

Analysis of the impact of an operator’s workstation on the safety of functioning of selected road transport systems

Modern times are characterized by fast economic and social development. However, not all spheres of life have developed in a sustainable manner, for example some elements of anthropotechnical systems are still far from being sustainable. This results in low safety level of these systems involving high risk of injury or death caused by road accidents. Transport systems of the type Human-Machine-Environment , where undesired events are caused by human behavior, belong to such systems. The author of this study has addressed the issues connected with the impact of man-made objects on their operation safety. The objects in question are selected transport systems and the study subject is assessment of the equipment operator’s behavior. The main goal of this study is to provide assessment and analysis of the impact of transport means ergonomics on the quality of transport services they provide. The research object are delivery trucks with the maximum vehicle weight up to 3.5t. The first part of the study contains identification of the factors and threats which affect functioning of transport systems. Further, ergonomics criterion is defined and the factors affecting ergonomics of selected transport means are provided. A questionnaire survey was performed with participation of professional drivers who were asked to identify the factors which have an adverse effect on the safety of the transport process as well as factors that increase the drivers’ comfort of work. Basing on this, an analysis of the results was performed and negative aspects involved in driving ergonomics were identified. Document type: Articl

Next generation main battle tank. Part II: Converting old MBTS into unmanned MBTS (UMBT)

Modern MBTs (Main Battle Tank) are extremely expensive. Many outdated MBTs and other armored vehicles, often lacking the required armor protection, are still kept in depots. It is now convenient to upgrade them to optionally unmanned weapons by adding a humanoid driver, and a robotic arm as a loader. Sensors, an optional automatic driving system, a control and communication suite would complete the transformation. The main armament and secondary armament may be also changed or upgraded. The off-the-shelf huge electronic equipment can be installed wireless inside the hull. The old crew compartment may be spoiled of all the human related parts. Only the driver seat may be kept in order to leave the capability to remove the humanoid, robotized driver and reinstate the human one. This upgrade should also include a diagnostic system for the vehicle, the sensors and the additional systems to reduce the maintenance burden. An additional, specialized, lightweight armor suite should be focused to protect the mobilization system, the robots, the control and the communication system. This second part of the paper introduces a few options to convert the Leopard 1 MBT to an optionally piloted UMBT (Unmanned Main Battle Tank). A first, minimal step, is just the automation of the original tank. In a second step, the weight is reduced by installing a smaller 60mm cannon with a lighter, but more numerous ammunition storage. A third step increases the firepower by installing on the main turret an automated turret with a 12.7 or 30mm cannon with an optional additional 7.62 machinegun. It is also highly advisable to add an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) and a battery to reduce IR (infrared) signature, improve main engine life and reduce maintenance