Methodological Differences Using a Computer Manikin in Two Case Studies: Bus and Space Module Design

Abstract

The computer manikin software Jack™ was used in two different case studies analyzing ergonomics. A comparison was made on how Jack was used in the two case studies. In the first, Jack was used in the design phase of a new Volvo bus model. A group was formed to work with a special part of the bus chassis design, namely cables and tubes. The group aimed to create an ergonomically correct and efficient assembly production. The group consisted of designers, production engineers and researchers. Jack was used late in this process for analysis of assembly work situations resulting from the design. In the second case study, an analysis was carried out in the preliminary design phase of the Cupola, a European Space Agency (ESA) module for manned space flights for the International Space Station (ISS). In this study, Jack was used early in the design process before any flight hardware production. When comparing the two studies, differences were found regarding the approach of the mimics of zero-gravity activities relative shop floor assembly work, and also of the modeling of Jack body postures. Animations were found more useful in the zero-gravity environment. Beside the treatment of co-ordinate systems, the process of file transfer was almost identical. In both case studies benefits of the use of Jack analysis, and resulting design impact according to this, seem to be equal despite when the analysis were carried out in the design process.