Improving Loader Crane High Seat Ergonomics : Focusing on Replacing Hydraulic Joysticks with Electronic

• Main Author: Karlsson, Ylva
• Format: Bachelor Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Technology; Hiab; mini joystick; loader crane; hand ergonomics; seated ergonomics; Teknik; Luleå
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-46459

This bachelor thesis report is the result of a project commissioned by Hiab AB and conducted as the final stage of the Bachelor Programme in Industrial Design Engineering, at the Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences at Luleå University of Technology. The objective of this bachelor’s thesis is to present general ergonomic guidelines for a redesign of a loader crane high seat and to provide a conceptual design for a joystick console that makes it possible to use electronic joysticks on the high seat. The background for this project is that Hiab AB in Hudiksvall intend to improve cost-efficiency in the manufacturing and assembly of loader cranes that are delivered with a high seat. Hiab intends to facilitate the assembly by switching from mechanical control levers on the hydraulic valves to electronic controlling of valves, using electronic joysticks and a wiring harness to be able to move the valves down to the base of the crane. Hiab expects this to lessen the costs of assembly and allow standardization between different types of cranes. New ergonomics issues arise with this transition and the vulnerability of electronic equipment to water and road salt poses a significant obstacle. The final concept utilizes aspects of the shape of Hiab’s new remote control hand unit that has mini joysticks. The main reason is to capitalize on the positive results from already executed studies on its ergonomics and usability. The suggestion for protection is a simple screw cap, cheap to manufacture and likely to be durable. Validerat; 20130817 (global_studentproject_submitter)