Human Factors »
Human factors engineering typically invokes a relationship between man and his machine. It also suggests an optimization between these two components. Human factors engineering may include the relationship between driver and car for automotive applications. It may involve the fit between hand tool and operator or it may study the relationship between walker or runner and a treadmill.
At Mechatron and Jeff Waters Consulting we have been researching the treadmill / operator relationships for years. A treadmill is typically a device similar to a conveyor whereby the speed of the tread is adjustable. The operator climbs on the treadmill, adjusts the speed typically from a front panel then maintains that speed.
The conflict arises in that the operator of the treadmill does not require any force for forward motion. Actual road load conditions require a force of forward motion. This force, represented by posterior muscle activity of the operator is reduced on the treadmill thus demanding less energy and not providing an accurate representation of road load conditions.
Mechatron in conjunction with the Center for BioDynamics at Miami University continue to study the human machine response of the treadmill and optimize control and power transmission matrix to enhance this human condition and allow the treadmill to become an accurate representative of actual road conditions.
The initial effort of this effort included a complete redesign of the treadmill whereby the electric drive system was customized and integrated into the rolls of the treadmill. Thus allowing a much higher response and stiffer power transmission matrix The stiffer matrix providing a faster response to changing conditions measured from the operator desire to change speed.