The traditional evaluation method of ergonomics adopted physical mockups or prototypes, which was very costly, and was inconvenient to modify, and usually caused prolonged development cycle-time. Herein, in conjunction with enterprise's requirements, an ergonomic validation equipment system, which had adjustable main parts, was developed.
Firstly, requirements were analyzed, and target model cars ranges were determined, and ergonomic contents which could be validated using this equipment were clarified. The main functions and structural needs were confirmed. Based on above analysis, the overall concept, reference fiducial marks system, space requirement, positions and travels of adjustment devices were designed. According to the validated concepts, considering the standards of section bars and machines, the structure and adjustment devices of every part were designed and analyzed for their strength, stiffness and movement spaces. Finally, together with the manufacturer,the equipment systems were produced, assembled and tested. The test runs show that the system can simulate and present the cars defined in design target, and can evaluate, modify and reevaluate various ergonomic problems in their applications.
