Comfort Evaluation and Position Optimization of the Clutch Pedal in Agricultural Machinery Based on a Multi-Level Evaluation System

HighlightsComfort evaluation and position parameter optimization of the clutch pedal were conducted.A comprehensive evaluation system was established for sitting comfort and operating comfort.A single-factor test and a response surface optimization test were carried out.Pedal inclination and its left-right distance synergistically influenced operating comfort.Abstract. The clutch pedal is the most frequently used control device in agricultural machinery and is an important component that affects operating comfort and safety. This study focused on the comfort evaluation and position parameter optimization of the clutch pedal based on a multi-degree-of-freedom test platform of an agricultural machinery cab. First, the H point (hip point) was determined based on a human body model of the operator’s sitting posture as a reference. Two position parameters were then determined: the pedal inclination angle, and the left-right distance of the pedal relative to the operator’s centerline. On this basis, a comprehensive evaluation system for sitting comfort and operating comfort was established. Single-factor tests were used to determine the comfort range and optimal levels of the two position parameters. A response surface optimization was then performed to determine the optimal parameter combination, and a first-order regression model of the response surface was established and corrected using the variance analysis method. The analysis results showed that the pedal inclination angle and its interaction with the left-right distance had a significant effect on comfort (a = 0.05). Based on the evaluation results, the mechanism underlying the influence of the position parameters on pedal comfort was analyzed. Finally, optimization and verification of the pedal position parameters were performed. The results showed that the expected comprehensive score for pedal comfort was 0.831, with an average relative error of 3.64% from the measured value, indicating that the optimization of the position parameters was reliable. The findings of this study may provide a reference for the optimal design of clutch pedals in agricultural machinery. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Clutch pedal, Comfort evaluation, Parameter optimization, Response surface method.

Pembuatan Dan Pengujian Mesin Penumbuk Daging Rendang Suir Kapasitas 1kg/Jam

Rendang is a typical food from Minangkabau that must be present in every custom event in Minangkabau, to improve the quality of the rendang meat, processed rendang meat is processed into processed rendang suir meat to improve the quality of its resistance. At this time the process of making rendang meat still uses a manual process which certainly does not fulfill all the desires of consumers, so the meat rending machine is made with a capacity of 1 kg / minute. This machine functions to pound rendang meat so that fiber from meat looks easier to stir. This machine aims to help the process of pulverizing the rendang meat to become flush. In this machine. The drive system is a fixed clutch, which is connected to one another. Making this frame using ST 37 iron whose dimensions are 350 mm x 550 mm x 700 mm. Whereas for the dimensions of pounding rendang suir meat is 10 mm x 200 mm x 350 mm. How it works rendang meat is placed on the bottom pounder. Then press the male clutch pedal so that there is friction between the male and female coupling so that the pulverization process occurs. After the collision results reach the desired release, step on the clutch pedal, then take the mashed meat. The making of rendang suir meat pounder machine begins with identification and field survey of whatever demands for the needs of producers of rendang suir meat. Then the next stage is the determination of several alternative planning, then the determination of the concept of planning, machine calculation, drawing the planning model.

Tractor Cab Virtual Modeling and Ergonomic Evaluation Based on JACK

Aimed at the drawbacks of traditional method of spot evaluation for tractor cabs, such as low effectiveness and high expense, this paper established a new method of tractor cab design and evaluation, which included formulating ergonomic evaluation process, creating virtual models of tractor cab and operators, building virtual environment of tractor cab man-machine system and conducting ergonomic evaluation. The YTO-1604 wheeled tractor has been taken as the analysis object, the layouts of its seat, accelerator pedal, clutch pedal, brake pedal, gear shift lever, steering wheel and other major parts were optimized. The optimized model was created by UG, then it was imported into JACK, thus the object for analysis was created. To accommodate the Chinese tractor operator population, the 95th, 50th and 5th percentile virtual operator models which respectively stands for the big figure, medium figure and small figure of Chinese adult males for ergonomic evaluation were created in JACK, and the angular comfort range for human body joints were determined. The 50th percentile operator was adjusted to a cozy posture through human control module, with hands holding steering wheel, left foot naturally put on clutch pedal, while right foot flat placed on the floor. The operator was located to the h point of seat in the optimized cab model, thus the man-machine virtual environment was completely built. Then the reach zone of the 5th percentile operator and the visual field of the 95th percentile operator were generated, the 95th percentile operator’s comfort was evaluated and the forces of the 95th percentile operator’s spinal L4/L5 were calculated. The results showed that the gear shift lever, steering wheel and control panel were located in the accessible reach zones, conforming to manipulation requirements. Control panel and windshield (except for part of the side windshield which could be observed by moving head) were contained in the visual field, according with vision design standard. The overall comfort score of the 95th percentile operator’s different body parts was 24.5, which indicated that the operator was in good condition and the design conformed to physiological requirements. The lower back compression force of the 95th percentile operator was 742, representing a nominal risk of lower back injury for operators. Thus, the rationality of cab layout scheme was well verified. This paper provides a method for the ergonomic design and evaluation of tractor cabs.

Clutch Pedal Sensorization and Evaluation of the Main Parameters Related to Driver Posture

An improper decision for the design, selection and adjustment of the components needed to control a vehicle could generate negative effects and discomfort to the driver, where pedals play a very important role. The aim of the study is to provide a first approach to develop an embedded monitoring device in order to evaluate the posture of the driver, the influence of the clutch pedal and to advise about the possible risk. With that purpose in mind, a testbed was designed and two different sets of tests were carried out. The first test collected information about the volunteers who were part of the experiment, like the applied force on the clutch pedal or the body measurements. The second test was carried out to provide new insight into this matter. One of the more significant findings to emerge from this study is that the force applied on the clutch pedal provides enough information to determine correct driver posture. For this reason, a system composed of a pedal force sensor and an acquisition/processing system can fulfil the requirements to create a healthcare system focused on driver posture.