Key Parameters' Design And Simulation Of Forklift Cab

Comfort has become an important factor in the design of forklift cabs. In order to improve the driver's comfort, need to make full use of ergonomics theory to research how to determine the key parameters of forklift cab. Currently, the forklift cabs in China are almost designed in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). However, SAE does not take into account the human characteristics of Chinese, so these forklift cabs cannot meet the requirement of drivers' comfort. In traditional cab design, the comfort evaluation only can be accomplished after making the physical prototype. So, the product development cycle very long costly. In this paper, the research on the key parameters of forklift cabin layout was carried out to improve the driving posture comfort, the operation comfort and the vision comfort according to the human characteristics of Chinese. And the ergonomic simulation was introduced to forklift cabin layout, which has important significance to shorten product development cycles and reduce the cost of forklift cabin development.Firstly, according to anthropometric measurements of Chinese drivers, developed the posture model. Took the comfort angle of each joint as restriction and analyzed the location relationship between the paddle, the seat and the steering wheel. Then, fitted the formulas for this relationship and these formulas can be used as basis of determining the SgRP point when layout the cab.Secondly, based on Kane's method, developed the biomechanical model of the upper limb and the lower limb when drivers sitting in their comfort posture. In order to assess operation comfort, established the joint moment evaluation model of drivers. Afterwards, analyzed the reasonable range of parameters for pedal and joystick, which can be used as basis of the layout of manipulate pieces.Thirdly, eyellipse theory is applied to the vision design of forklift cab. Analyzed how to locate the eyellipse in the forklift and discussed the method of determine the vertical field in direct vision, the horizontal field in direct vision and the obstructions in the Direct Field. Besides, deduced the formula of head rotation angle when drivers cannot see objects within their optimal eye rotation angle. These can be used as basis of design windshields and pillars of the forklift cab.Finally, discussed how to analyzing the layout scheme of forklift cab through ergonomics simulation software. Then, compared two layout schemes of cab in the aspects of the driving posture comfort, the operation comfort and the vision comfort. The results showed that the modified cabin layout scheme improved the driving posture comfort and the operation comfort significantly. It also met the requirements of driver's vision comfort.