Benefiting from a complete set of interopera-bility standards, the new products for high speed rail transport are based on the driver cabin’s ergonomics, which is achieved following criteria such as safety and comfort. The human-vehicle interaction is extremely important for railway manufacturers.
Currently, new methodologies supporting the incorporation of human-vehicle interaction elements within the overall vehicle design and prototyping processes are being developed; effective architecture for intelligent vehicle monitoring using fault-tolerant, modular and plug-in technologies. The aim is to achieve an ergonomic vehicle design, to develop cognitive engineering technologies for effective driver-vehicle or occupant-vehicle interaction and technologies for improved cabin environment.
Experts in the field believe that it is necessary to develop a set of technical specifications for freight train driver cabins and a different set of specifications for passenger trains, seeing as freight trains spend more time in traffic than passenger trains.
The most recent EC Decision which dates back from 2008 concerning the technical specifications for interoperability for the “rolling stock” sub-system of the trans-European high speed rail system stipulates that all regular driving activities should be performed sitting down.
The requirements on health, safety and ergonomics are currently under debate. The ergonomic criteria, methods and tools to evaluate the development of user interfaces must be properly applied in conjunction to get actual improvements in the usability of an interface.
By using the ergonomic factor in the design of an engine cabin, the manufacturer tries to reduce the risk of mistake and to eliminate personal exhaustion and therefore, improve the mental conditions of staff and reduce the accidents and costs, leading to increasing productivity.
Whether we are talking about designing a new driver cabin or the modernisation of an older one, all activities should take into account the ergonomic factor, including the redesign of the working space and renewal of the driver seat.
New concepts for the cabin interior
The new design of the cabin involves appropriate panelling, comfortable seats, clear visibility for the operators, proper arrangement of gauges, provision of space for tools etc., for improved comfort of the operator. The problems of heat and sound insulation are also addressed while developing the cabin interiors. In addition, safety features such as increase in roof height inside the cabin, illumination of the cabin, ergonomically correct placement of various instruments, are also addressed.
The cabin interior has to be designed in order to provide good elegance and to provide maximum comfort to the users. As vibration dampening is an inherent property of composites, sidewall cladding and air space at the outer steel shell contributed effectively for achieving noise attenuation as well as heat insulation. The space between driving consoles has to be increased considerably to facilitate free movement of personnel and the height adjusted to ensure eye contact between driver & assistant.
The development of a smart seat with sensors and feedback will increase human performance and productivity. Experts in the field believe that, according to European standards, one of the most important aspects related to the design of a new locomotive is comfort. To that end, specific solutions should be developed, such as displays and adapted control-command systems, as well as ‘wrap-around’ driver’s instrument displays. Experts have classified comfort as having many different definitions: comfort is ‘subjective’ (for the engine driver), it is determined by various factors (the composite materials used in the manufacture of the locomotive) and it is a reaction to the environment/product.
by Elena Ilie
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