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http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/1444
Title: | Human sensitivity to gearshift loads |
Authors: | Giacomin, J Mackenzie, TJP |
Keywords: | Human perception;Weber fraction;Automobile;Gearshift |
Issue Date: | 2001 |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Citation: | International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 27: 187-195 |
Abstract: | This paper describes an investigation of the ability of humans to distinguish different levels of gearlever load. A test rig with a forward-backward moving gearshift lever was constructed using the typical interior dimensions of European B segment automobiles. The rig used a system of weights and pulleys to provide a load which could be varied in steps of 1%. Four reference loads were chosen which were considered representative of automotive gearshift operation: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 kg. Twenty subjects took part in the study. Using a variation on the psychophysical method of limits, the subjects were asked to respond whether a test load was heavier or lighter than a reference load. The Weber Fraction was found to decrease monotonically from a value of 0.036 for the 0.5 kg reference load to a value of 0.029 at the 5.0 kg reference load. The average value across all reference loads was 0.032. Measurements of the gearshift force made by means of a knob containing a load cell suggested that the variation in the measured Weber Fraction might be attributable to the time behaviour of the force exchanged between the human subject and the control surface. |
URI: | http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/1444 |
DOI: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0169-8141(00)00049-4 |
Appears in Collections: | Design Brunel Design School Research Papers |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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gm2001hst.pdf | 511.4 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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