Ergonomic study on human-powered vehicles

Abstract

In this paper, new methods for ergonomic analysis of cyclist for 4-wheel recumbent seat human-powered vehicle (HPV) are performed. An ergonomic index with fundamental formulation is developed in order to determine the level of comfortness during handling of the HPV. Basic reference of sitting postures are produced from three HPVs for 20 different individuals. All the dimensions, angles and measurements are recorded. The same individuals are required to sit on the three HPV models to evaluate their comfortness and ergonomic by observing the same dimensions, angles and measurements of leg and hand postures. The data is compared with reference comfort sitting ergonomic. This study is limited to a number of individuals which are the students of a university in Malaysia with age range from 20 to 24 years old. However, the ergonomic index can be expanded for Asian people and with some improvement in the parameters, it can be used for other countries. Derivation of ergonomic index and formulation in determining the comfort level and ergonomic of HPV. Using the ergonomic index, a new improved HPV can be developed. The index is also applicable with modification on several parameters in the formulation for other countries.