Local train ergonomics

Introduction In India , for the first time basic Indian anthropometric data was developed as ready reference for multipurpose design use fundamental to industry . Group of Ergonomic experts headed by NID’s Dr. Debkumar Chakrabarti undertook an ambitious project on developing a data kit on Indian anthropometric dimensions for ergonomic design practise .

In this context NID commenced its activities in Ergonomic studies in 1984 with the establishment of its Ergonomic laboratory . Since then, Ergonomics has been an integral part of design education, research and client service at the institute. The laboratory has made significant contributions to ensure that human compatibility factors in Indian context, features in the design of the products and systems developed at NID. It requires a multidisciplinary, scientific approach towards studying the work method and accessories in the context physical, physiological and psycho – sociological capabilities of people. It also means evaluating the facilities, environment, jobs , training methods and equipment’s to match with the capabilities of the users and thereby reduces the potential for fatigue , errors , discomfort and unsafe acts .

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Information about database and population The anthropometric dimensions considered for the ergonomics are taken between 5th percentiles to 95th percentile to suit the requirements of the maximum number of people. The people chosen were from various occupations and regions for the dimensions so that they could have a broad scope for travelling.

Rail system in India is the second largest in the world, with about 62,000km of track. There is over 7,000 stations and over 11 million people a day traveling by train. Indian Railways has over 1.6 million employees and is the world’s biggest employer. Trains can be very cheap in India if you take second-class Sleeper Class (SL) The middle class massed of India travel by this class. Carriages are divided into open-plan compartments with six beds in each. Two tiers of beds are also located outside the compartments, along the aisle. There's no privacy in sleeper class, and it's noisy, crowded and dirty. However, some visitors do prefer to travel in this class so they can interact with Indians from all walks of life. The sleeper class in the Indian railway system is the main chunk of typical express train. Each coach holds about 72 passengers, with about 10 to 15 coaches per train.

Sleeper Class has the widest variety of passengers of all the classes on Indian trains, there will be many families from very different backgrounds, some going on important pilgrimages, some going to weddings, others just going to see family members, there will be groups of men or women, some tourists, travelling alone for job interviews etc. The amount of English spoken in Sleeper Class is a lot less than in air con classes, you'll always find people who speak a little English, but conversations with these people can be difficult. Class passengers are normally very friendly.

Sleeper Class is also a lot safer than many people imagine it to be. Sleeper Class is easily the best value for money class on Indian Railways, and is incredibly cheap. It's more comfortable than you'd imagine it to be. 99% of medium & long distance trains have Sleeper Class. You get free, at seat entertainment and service from endless vendors selling everything you could imagine, to singing beggars, ear cleaners and Hijras.

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Assumptions and Anthropometric data (Context, body dimensions and percentiles) Dimensions X = 1767 X1 = 662 X2 = 3048 X3 = 518*3 X4 = 619 X5 = 300 Y = 457.2 Y1 = 765.75 Y2 = 609.6 Y3 = 609.6 Y4 = 337.9 Y5 = 659.9 Y6 = 91 Y7 = 1493.5 Y8 = 457.2 Y9 = 963.2 Y10 = 177.8 Y11 = 1848 Y12 = 792.48 Y13 = 609.6 Y14 = 101.6 Y15 = 76.2 Y16 = 914.4 Y17 = 228.6 Z = 619 Z1 = 600 Z2 = 1838 Z3 = 457.2 Z4 = 111.7 Z5 = 829.7

Percentiles 95th 99th 60th 95th Max 90th 25th

98th ( feet to navel while normal sitting) 46th ( eye level when standing) Max

50th (arm stretched out while standing) 95th

95th 75th (knee to raised toe)

50th (mid thigh)

Z6 = 274.8 Z7 = 101.6 Z8 = 255

Max

Context Lower berth length Passage Width of the compartment Tray length Breadth of the side upper berth Breadth of the ladder Distance between ground to LB LB to MB MB to UB UB to the top UB to the fan Distance between ground and the tray Thickness of USB Distance between the ground to mirror Mirror height Distance between the ground to switch board Length of the switch board Distance between ground to chain Ground to window Window height Thickness of the tray Ground to ladder Ladder length Distance between two steps of ladder Breath of the berth Horizontal distance between two berths Length of the compartment Breath of the tray Distance between LB and tray Distance between partition and switch board Distance between the two windows Distance from partition to window Width of the mirror

SYSTEM ANALYSIS

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Identification and Recommendation of design Improvements Tray is elongated

Middle berth is taken upwards.

Plugs provided Storage for bottle and shoes

Toilet conditions improved

Dustbin provided

Berth length increased

Ladder steps are increased Luggage space and security is increased

Integration of Anthropometric Data and design Improvments

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Conclusion During the problem identification of the given the three tier non a/c compartment , we realised that it is important to know the needs of the users and to set up the objectives of the problem and determine what is required to be incorporated .

After brain storming we realised that system should be more user friendly, easy to handle, proper semantic applications, reliable, safe and the most important ergonomically compatible with the users. We made sure it is aesthetically appealing and the form according to the human body structural limitations thus ensuring safety as well better function. Because it is for common people the internal paths are handy to operate and easy to maintain.

Considering the physical, structural and biomechanical nature of human beings, sex and age variations, along with the context and intended methods of use, we gave priority to comfort level, security, safety, efficiency and emotions.

The materials used are durable / repairable / washable and have multipurpose facilities for manipulatory use, obviously considering the cost factor with a view of satisfying the user within the railway budget.

Regular percentile intervals of the human body like stature, full shoulder breadth, full sitting height, hip breadth, elbow rest, arm reach, knee height, etc. were considered while making the changes in the railway compartment.

For certain purposes possible dynamic dimensions were added considerations; majorly 95th %le and 50th%le were taken in assumptions.

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APPENDIX X – Stature (1767)

X1 – Passage(725)

     

X2 – Compartment length(3048)

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X3 – Tray Length(518)

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X4 - Breadth of the side berth(616)

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X5 - Breadth of the ladder(300) Y – Distance between the ground to LB (457.2)

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Y1 – LB to MB(765.75)

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 Y2 – MB to UB(609.6)

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Y3 – UB to the top(640.08)

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Y4 – UB to the fan(548.64)

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5 ft.10” There will be enough room for a human to lie down comfortably.

Three people should fit comfortably in a sitting position.

Each person is getting approx. 589 mm (1ft 9”) space.

The problem faced by the passengers while walking with their luggage is solved by increasing the width of the passage.

The luggage can be moved along with the passenger comfortably without hitting the obstacles.

Two people can move together without any hustle 10 ft.2” Accommodation is easier with less chaos and much space to move around.

1ft.7”. passengers sittind opposite each other are able to rest their hands properly with the plate.

2ft.

The person can sit in a relaxed position , infants and small kids are easily accommodated too.

Passengers can also sit cross legged because there is enough space provided.

More than the maximum feet breadth.

So that any passenger can climb up on the berth without any difficulty.

1 ft.5” Considering the 87th knee height percentile, the passenger will get enough leg space The luggage will fit under the LB easily.

2ft.5” Considering the 40th percentile of normal sitting height, a passenger can sit comfortably even when the MB is in use.

The stress on neck and upper torso is minimised.

2ft.

Passengers climb on to the middle berth only to sleep hence we have compromised on the sitting height .

There is enough space for a person to sleep with proper ventilation .

2ft. 1” Towards the arch of the train the distance is more hence the people on the upper berth can sit as well as sleep comfortably.

1ft.8” The fans are placed in such a way so that people on the middle and upper berth can also get air .

Y5 – Distance between the ground and the tray(731.52) Y6 – Thickness of the USB(9.1) Y7 – Distance between the ground and the mirror(1493.52) Y8 – Mirror height(457.2)

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Y9 – Distance between the ground and the switch board(613)

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2ft.4” Placement of the tray is according to the passenger’s arm reach .

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 Y10 – Length of switch board(177.8)

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Y11 - Distance between ground and chain(1848)

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4ft.9” According to the stature we have taken 20th percentile till the maximum so that people of all height can have a look in the mirror properly .

1ft.5” For maximum people to utilise the mirror Face and the neck is seen easily.

2ft.01” Mean is taken for the arm reach so that a person sitting can reach the switch by stretching their arm.

People below the percentile will have to stand up to reach the switch board.

7”.

To accommodate, two switches of fans, one for light and two plug points.

6ft.06” Its out of reach for small kids.

It is used only for emergency , hence it is placed in a location where it can be seen easily during emergency.

The colour is red for the same reason.(danger) 2ft.6” Passengers can get elbow rest on the window sill The passengers sleeping on the middle berth can also get ventilation .

Y12 – Ground to window(792.48)

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Y13 – Window height(609.6)

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Y14 – Thickness of the tray(101.6) Y15 - ground to ladder(338)

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Y16 – Ladder length(914.4) Y17 – Distance between two steps of ladder(228.6) Z –Breadth of the berth(619) Z1 – Horizontal distance between two berths(600)

  

2ft.

The height of the window is such so that 1/4th of the window falls in the middle berth area providing some ventilation .

4” 3 in one tray 3”.

So that kids and old people do not have4 to stretch their legs to climb the ladder’s first step.

3ft.8”.

So that people can reach middle and the upper berth easily .

So that easy to climb on without stretching out more .

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2ft.03”.

95th percentile.

1ft.9”.

Both the people sitting opposite have enough leg space and can stretch

their legs and sit comfortably.

6ft.03”.

It is such so that comfort and the locomotion area is enough for the passengers.

1ft.5”.

So that one can rest his arm properly on the tray .

So that people can sit with proper distance from their thigh.

They can also rest their hands on it and read comfortably.

2ft.5”.

Z2 – width of the compartment(1838)

 

Z3 – Breadth of the tray(457.2) Z4 – Distance between LB and tray (71.4) Z5 – Distance between partition and switch board(782.8) Z6 – Distance between two windows(293.68) Z7 – Distance from partition to window(101.6)

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   

11”.

To accommodate mirror and the switch board.

4”.

So that even if the person is leaning back he can get proper air as well as the outside scenery .

Z8 – Width of the mirror(254)



10”.

CONTROLS

DISPLAY

LAYOUT

EMOTIONS

Luggage shutters

Signs

Middle berth is shifted upwards

Sight - It has to be aesthetically appealing to the eyes. ( maroon and white )

Switches and plugs

Symbols

Ladder size has been increased for convenience

Smell - ( fresheners at particular intervals ) especially near the toilets

Lights

Indication for seats to avoid confusion

Passage size increased for better locomotion

Touch - smooth seats, no sharp edges on the seats.( fabric)

Chains

Signage for toilets

Tray for all passengers provided

Sound - sound absorbing material ( cloth )

Window knobs

Emergency warnings

Dustbins per compartments

Taste - food should be edible, less oily, hygienic and nonadulterated.

Berth hooks

Notice boards

Lights for personal use

Indication of the berth seat numbers Provided at the top of each compartment on the passage. Basically it makes it easier for passengers to locate their seats without peeking into each compartment

Signage for toilet and dustbin

 It is bight so that easily noticed.  Backlit during night journey.

Luggage shutter

After putting the luggage the passenger needs to pull the shutter down till the hooks which are placed below the lower berth. It also has a lock attached for security reasons.

BY : BONITA ROY (RETAIL) BANSARI BORDA (RETAIL) JANAK GHALSASI (PRODUCT) ZOHRA MASTIM (PRODUCT)