Predictive Relationships for Cab Dimensioning in Low-Coal Mining Machines

Abstract

A system of predictive relationships is presented to assist designers in laying out operator workspaces for underground low-coal mining machines. The low-coal mining environment (less than 1.22m (48 in.) seam height) imposes a unique set of constraints on design which must be addressed if operator safety and comfort are to be maintained. User population, cab dimensions, operator posture and seating, visibility, machine vibration, and control/display locations are all areas of vital importance to the design of a properly dimensioned low-coal operators cab. Several of these issues were evaluated using two-dimensional 1/4 inch scale drawing board manikins. Parameters such as cab height, cab length, knee angles, seat pitch, backrest angles, foot angles, and foot control forces were systematically varied in drawing board layouts using 95th percentile male, 5th percentile male, and 5th percentile female manikins. Linear and quadratic regression equations were then fitted to the plotted points to produce a series of figures showing the predictive relationships among the various parameters. These figures can serve as valuable design aids for solving cab dimensioning problems in low-coal mining machines.

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