Session: 02-03-03: Optimization

Paper Number: 147001

147001 - Analysis and Optimization of Field of View in Cab Design on North American Rail Vehicle 

Operator visibility is critical to rail operations, as it directly impacts operations and consequently may induce issues of safety, reliability and comfort of vehicles during revenue services.   most transportation authorities in North America have similar requirements for the visibility of operators on subway and light rail vehicles with consideration of anthropology data. For one of rail project, the requirements are denoted as : at seated position, the Operator shall be capable of detecting a 61cm (24 inches) tall object on the track centerline, 2.4 m (8 feet) away from the anti-climber. Additionally, the Operator’s upward view shall be a minimum of 30 degrees above the horizontal and sideward view shall be a minimum of 45 degrees of each side of center. To meet the specification, the design  focuses on exploring the integrated design ideas and processes for rail vehicle cabs that meet the operator's field of view requirements. This design and analysis  involve a comprehensive process, from the creation of design concepts to their concrete implementation, to ensure that the final product achieves optimal levels of safety, functionality and user-friendly design. This provides a reference for the design of rail vehicle cabs in the North American region, ensuring a smooth design process and avoiding unnecessary repetitive adjustments and modifications at a later stage. Through in-depth studies, the research team summarized the design factors and interface parameters that affect the operator's field of vision a three-dimensional model [YY1] was constructed according to the definition of human body parameters and vehicle structural parameters in the standard, Human Engineering and simulation software was used to simulate the various working conditions of the operator in the driving Operation. The research team then analyzed and calculated the measured key data and optimized and improved the design of each [YY2] parameter affecting the field of view one by one. When dealing with special working conditions, the research team proposed additional means to expand the observation field by using a camera and carried out detailed analysis and calculation of the camera position[YY3] . Once the design was completed, the research team built a mockup of the vehicle to perform ergonomic validation using full-scale track markers and signal displays. the qualification tests verified that the cab design met the field-of-vision requirements of five percent of female operators and 95 percent of male operators. The vehicles have entered the pilot operation phase. Through systematic analysis and design, combined with current technology, this study has provided the operator with a wide and clear field of vision, optimizing the driving experience. This improvement enhances the safety, reliability and comfort of train operations.

 

Presenting Author: Qiubo Chen CRRCMA

Presenting Author Biography: Qiubo Chen, PMP, holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Florida and currently serves as a mechanical engineer at CRRC MA Corp in  MA. Throughout his academic tenure, he demonstrated a fervent dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship within the automotive domain. Spearheading initiatives projects such as OSMO, Exclusive Smell Consultant, and The Model of Car-Sharing, Under The Trend of Automobile Cyber-Intelligentization. His contributions have yielded over ten utility patents in China. Qiubo' s academic journey was punctuated with notable achievements, including first place and a gold prize in the 7th China "Internet+" National College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, as well as a Bronze Medal in the 16th "Challenge Cup" National Student Extracurricular Academic Work Competition along with 6 scholarships.

Qiubo served as an Engineering Project Manager (EPM) intern at Apple Inc. in 2021. During that time, he played a pivotal role in the daily operations pertaining to the AirPods 3 New Product Introduction (NPI) and Final Assembly, Test, and Pack (FATP) process. Currently, at CRRC MA Corp., Qiubo focuses on resolving mechanical issues and enhancing production efficiency.

His research interests span engineering project management, multi-body dynamics, and the exploration of business models within the automotive industry.

Authors:

Zida Wang CRRCMA
Long Zhang CRRCMA
Yanbo Yin CRRCMA
Meishan Li CRRCMA
Qiang Lv CRRCMA
Xi Zhang CRRCMA
Yang Liu CRRCMA
Wei Huang CRRCMA
Qiubo Chen CRRCMA