The suggested practical layout contains four main modifications: (a) replacing the bench with two adjustable paramedic seats, (b) redesigning the medical cabinet for easy access, (c) adding an adjustable folding seat opposite the two new seats, and (d) adding a swiveling base and lifting apparatus that will accommodate the stretcher and enable better accessibility to patients by the paramedic personnel.

When driving a car, the visual awareness is important for operating and controlling the vehicle. When operating a tractor, it is even more complex. This is because the driving is always accompanied with another task (e.g., plough) that demands constant changes of body postures, to achieve the needed Field-of-View (FoV). Therefore, the cockpit must be well designed to provide best FoV. Today, the driver's FoV is analyzed mostly by computer simulations of a cockpit model and a Digital Human Model (DHM) positioned inside. The outcome is an 'Eye view' that displays what the DHM 'sees'. This paper suggests a new approach that adds quantitative information to the current display; presented on three tractor models as case studies. Based on the results, the design can be modified. This may assist the engineer, to analyze, compare and improve the design, for better addressing the driver needs.

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Abstract:The design of off-road vehicles is complicated. Particularly when the driving, is accompanied with another task, simultaneously (e.g. plowing). Such a complex environment may lead to human error and end up with an accident. In Australia, 20-25 percent of vehicle accidents' casualties are from off-road accidents. The literature suggests three combined and important aspects, in vehicle design: vision control, anthropometrical fitting and biomechanical considerations. No study is found which supports an off-road vehicle design from all three aspects together. In addition, the extensive use of computer aided design (CAD) in the vehicles' design stages, produce only qualitative results. This study presents a pioneering experimental ergonomic research, of an off-road cabin design. The research inquires the three aspects,combined, generating quantitative results. These results produce a better fitted design to the operator and his operational needs, which help the engineer to design a cabinthat may lead to less strenuous sitting postures and fatigue.