Enhancing Ergonomics in Off-Highway Equipment Design
Off-Highway equipment design has traditionally focused on improvements to the exterior of the equipment, where the greatest operational impact takes place. However, new industry regulations and operator safety requirements are bringing the design focus to the inside – within the cab interior.
In response, OEMs are concentrating design efforts on enhancing comfort and convenience for Off-Highway equipment operators, who often spend long hours in their vehicles. OEMs are selecting hardware components that not only enhance functionality, but also improve safety and the end user experience.
As Off-Highway equipment design continues to evolve, access hardware must also change to suit new design needs. Design engineers can improve operator ergonomics and maximize usability by incorporating display mounting and hinging solutions with engineered Positioning Technology into cab designs.
Hinging Technology Offers Flexible Position Control
Positioning Technology is a cutting edge product platform that simplifies user operation and provides reliable positioning of display mounts, doors and access panels. Design engineers can improve operator ergonomics and maximize usability by incorporating display mounting and hinging solutions with engineered Positioning Technology into cab interior designs.
Positioning Technology can be incorporated into a variety of Off-Highway equipment applications by way of constant torque hinges, which use engineered friction systems to provide continuous resistance against motion. Torque hinges are ideal for applications where it is necessary to easily open and position doors and panels, including engine hoods and tool boxes.
Southco’s line of Positioning Technology solutions allows effortless display positioning and infinite
angle options.
Another area where hinging technology can benefit equipment design is in the ever evolving shape of the cab. Newer entry doors may not always open at a 90 degree angle, which presents challenges in how access hardware is positioned on door and frame. Position Control hinges can also be used to simplify design and installation; adding features into the hinge can eliminate additional components or mechanisms.
Southco’s Positioning Technology offers a variety of options to accommodate styling and suit Off-Highway equipment design needs:
- Constant torque provides resistance throughout the entire range of motion, maintaining the door position once it has been opened.
- Counterbalancing provides lift assistance, making it possible to raise heavy objects with minimal force, reducing back and shoulder strain.
- Detent provides positive retention at predetermined points, such as fully open or fully closed positions. This allows equipment operators to hold panels open, providing rapid access while keeping both hands free.
Selecting Reliable and Validated Positioning Technology Solutions
When specifying display mounts and hinges into Off-Highway designs, it is important to select components capable of a reliable, repeatable cycle life that outlasts the lifetime of the vehicle. Position Control solutions chosen for Off-Highway applications should be robust in their construction, and able to withstand vibration and impact that may result during rugged operation and transportation.
Southco’s Display Mounts can be easily positioned to accommodate different operator heights and seat positions without the need for readjustment.
To accommodate operator preference, it is essential that a display mount support the screen or monitor when it must remain stationary during vehicle operation, yet be easy to move when repositioning is required. Display mounts should offer a full range of motion, easily allowing the operator to hold a screen in a precise position without any set screws, torque handles or other user intervention.
When selecting a hinge for an Off-Highway equipment application, design engineers should choose hinges that offer operating efforts that can be customized to the demands of the application, thus making the object easier to position.
By integrating reliable Position Control hinges into Off-Highway enclosure applications such as entry doors and access panels on the exterior of the vehicle, and Positioning Technology such as display mounts within the interior of the cab, manufacturers can improve ergonomics and operator comfort, and enhance usability, safety and reliability for years to come.
