Projects Profile
Project Title
Optimising ride comfort for motor grader operators by modelling the cabin-seat-driver dynamic
Partnership
Dr. Yi Qiu, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR), University of
Southampton
Mr. Wei Jia Yan, Research Academy of Construction Machinery (TRACM)
Project Aim
To develop and validate a computerised mathematical model and associated processes for optimising the ride comfort of the cabin-seat-operator dynamic system of a motor grader. The outputs from the model will be fed into the seat/cabin design, removing the need for repeated field testing and greatly reducing the product development cycle.
Inspiration for the projects
Motor graders are used worldwide in construction and maintenance of motorways and other roads. Due to the nature of the grader and the harsh working conditions, severe vibrations are transmitted to the operator, often exceeding the EU Machinery Safety Directive and the EU Physical Agents (vibration) Directive. Most Chinese manufactured motor graders do not meet these standards, causing severe ride discomfort, reduced operation efficiency, and risks to health. Furthermore they cannot be exported for sale in the EU. Current practice in seat design involves repeated field testing, which is not only very time-consuming and costly, but is often ineffectual due to lack of understanding of the biodynamic response of the driver’s body to vibration. This work extends the successful outcomes of the previous ICUK partnership project.
Commercial Potential and Further Development
The project has already received support from a number of manufacturers. The second largest manufacturer of motor graders in the world, Tianjin Dinsheng Tiangong Construction Machinery Co. Ltd (TDTCM) has agreed to provide a seat/cabin, free of charge. This will be used to validate the model. They have also expressed their intention to purchase the outputs from this project, if successful.
The Chinese market, where the benefits of this approach will be most marked, is the starting point. The process can also be applied to other types of construction machinery. The market size of construction machinery in China alone reached about $25 billion in 2007. There is potential for ISVR to earn significant licence revenues. Once proven, manufactures in other markets, starting with the UK, will be approached.
