Abstract: While the TRIZ method is fit to address human factors problems in manufacturing, straightforward application would benefit from a resource gathering supporting knowledge and techniques. Analysis of previous work suggests that new TRIZ method users might benefit from specific guidance in the interpretation of the engineering parameters in the contradiction matrix considering human factor problems in manufacturing. A tentative correspondence is proposed between human factor issues in manufacturing and the engineering parameters in the matrix.
Notes: Mathematics and Computers in Science and Engineering
Abstract: Product development established processes emphasize requirements specification as a starting point in new concept generation. Rather than limiting inputs for new concept generation to verbal requirement lists, industrial design students seem to prefer to be stimulated with ideas in context. A method that takes as point of departure human activity to search for new product concepts was developed. It supports pushing the envelope of creativity beyond the mere upgrade of existing concepts. Systematic design procedures are also used to evaluate and improve the initial concepts and guide their development. Paradigm shift may represent a great opportunity but also a challenge for widespread adoption of new concepts. The proposed method is put into perspective with activity based methods for systems design.
Notes: Mathematics and Computers in Science and Engineering
Abstract: An overview of the development of the TRIZ problem solving approach is provided in the first part of this paper. Having emerged in Russia in 1946, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving Technique (TRIZ) has been commonly used in the USA and Europe in the last few decades. TRIZ, as a method, has been used successfully to solve problems such as many of those typically arising during the process of product development, as reviewed in the second part of the paper. While the TRIZ method is also considered fit to address human factors problems in manufacturing, straightforward application would benefit from a resource gathering supporting knowledge and techniques. In the third part, analysis of previous work leads to suggest that new TRIZ method users might benefit from specific guidance in the interpretation of the engineering parameters in the contradiction matrix, considering human factors problems in manufacturing. A tentative correspondence is proposed in the fourth part between human factors issues in manufacturing and the engineering parameters in the matrix. The paper concludes emphasizing the need to further extract and categorize human factors and ergonomics principles and understand and analyze them under the light of the 40 inventive principles of TRIZ.
Abstract: This paper considers the systems of Quality, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety management. It prospectively analyses the advantages and disadvantages of integrating these systems, as opposed to the systems having independent management in a manufacturing company. Quality Management standards' (ISO 9000) evolution towards Total Quality Management is the starting point. Recent revisions embodied some of the requirements portrayed in the Environmental Management standards (ISO 14000), as well as issues pertaining to Occupational Health and Safety (OHSAS 18001). This tendency towards inclusion of material from different standards systems is expected to be even more evident in the forthcoming revision of the ISO 9000 standards. There is still a notorious absence of an integrated document; ISO has not yet adopted the OHSAS 18001 standard and there are hardships inherent in such an integrative approach. Commonalities between the three systems are emphasized. Foreseen advantages for companies pertain to economies of scale in the certification processes and a joint approach to the provision of quality, environmental responsibility and workpiece protection. As a conclusion, the need to pursue standards integration is emphasized. The paper also exposes some predictive gains to be encountered in further integrating the standards system with the inclusion of ergonomics certification.
Abstract: Little published research exists about car seat side supports. The objective of the experimental study, here reported, is apprehending the levels at which selected design factors better contribute to the side support's utility. Three seat design factors were manipulated: the cover's friction properties, the distance between the opposing side supports and the side support's size at the hip-lower torso level. Four subjects, with similar body widths, evaluated the test seats, in a standard driving task. Pressure prints were taken, with varying lateral acceleration levels. Video recording of the driving task aimed at characterising shoulder and hip displacements. The seats were rated for comfort, support, egress/ingress characteristics and seat preference. The setting of recommendations for future studies followed the theorising of the reasons for the inconsistency and low level of association of the individual data. The authors' subjective impressions from performing driving evaluations are confronted with the assumptions and hypotheses underlying the experimental design, resulting in strong agreement. Practical design advises are outlined and design concepts worth future study highlighted. A deeper understanding of how the seat provides lateral support is attained, with the building of the problem understanding along the process - a typical pilot study outcome. Relevance to industry - The framework and findings presented may serve as a basis for further evaluating the car seat side support. Considerations of the methodological process are presented, with relevance given to having found sense despite the inconclusive results, due to a revised problem understanding. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. Little published research exists about car seat side supports. The objective of the experimental study, here reported, is apprehending the levels at which selected design factors better contribute to the side support's utility. Three seat design factors were manipulated: the cover's friction properties, the distance between the opposing side supports and the side support's size at the hip-lower torso level. Four subjects, with similar body widths, evaluated the test seats, in a standard driving task. Pressure prints were taken, with varying lateral acceleration levels. Video recording of the driving task aimed at characterizing shoulder and hip displacements. The seats were rated for comfort, support, egress/ingress characteristics and seat preference. The setting of recommendations for future studies followed the theorizing of the reasons for the inconsistency and low level of association of the individual data. The authors' subjective impressions from performing driving evaluations are confronted with the assumptions and hypotheses underlying the experimental design, resulting in strong agreement. Practical design advises are outlined and design concepts worth future study highlighted. A deeper understanding of how the seat provides lateral support is attained, with the building of the problem understanding along the process - a typical pilot study outcome. Relevance to industry. The framework and findings presented may serve as a basis for further evaluating the car seat side support. Considerations of the methodological process are presented, with relevance given to having found sense despite the inconclusive results, due to a revised problem understanding.
Abstract: While the TRIZ method is fit to address human factors problems in manufacturing, straightforward application would benefit from a resource gathering supporting knowledge and techniques. Analysis of previous work suggests that new TRIZ method users might benefit from specific guidance in the interpretation of the engineering parameters in the contradiction matrix considering human factor problems in manufacturing. A tentative correspondence is proposed between human factor issues in manufacturing and the engineering parameters in the matrix.
Abstract: Product development established processes emphasize requirements specification as a starting point in new concept generation. Rather than limiting inputs for new concept generation to verbal requirement lists, industrial design students seem to prefer to be stimulated with ideas in context. A method that takes as point of departure human activity to search for new product concepts was developed. It supports pushing the envelope of creativity beyond the mere upgrade of existing concepts. Systematic design procedures are also used to evaluate and improve the initial concepts and guide their development. Paradigm shift may represent a great opportunity but also a challenge for widespread adoption of new concepts. The proposed method is put into perspective with activity based methods for systems design.
Abstract: This paper presents methodology, approaches and simulation actually used in the context of human factor studies designed to build knowledge on comfort and functionality of car seats. Backgrounds are literature and two own experimental studies. The methodology presented involves comparative studies with variation of one or several seat design factors. Scales for subjective evaluation of seat comfort and functionality, completing questionnaires and interviews are evaluated. Also compared are approaches to the design of sitting trials, involving real or simulated conditions. The simulations are qualified, in terms of what actually works. Physical data collection alternatives, namely, moving and still images and interface pressure data, are also commented upon. Anthropometric and other criteria for the selection of subjects are discussed together with sample size. Alternatives for tasks to be performed by trial persons are also discussed, along with the degree of freedom left to subjects. Alternative designs of standardized driving routes are compared. Driving tests validated the results arrived at in the laboratory tests, with both tests designed with methods and approaches presented in the paper.
