Ergonomics and Aesthetic

design
 Definition…

 Ergonomics is the scientific discipline

concerned with the understanding of
interactions among humans and other
elements of a system and the profession
that applies theory , principle data, and
design methods in order to optimize
human well being and overall system
performance .
 Overview…
 Ergonomics is a science concerned with
the ‘fit’ between people and their work. It
takes account of the worker's capabilities
and limitations in seeking to ensure that
tasks, equipment, information and the
environment suit each worker.
 Five aspects of ergonomics
There are five aspects of ergonomics:
 Safety
 Comfort
 Ease of use
 Productivity/performance
 Aesthetics
 Domains

 The International Ergonomics Association (IEA) divides

ergonomics broadly into three domains :

 Physical ergonomics :
is concerned with human anatomical, physiological and
biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical
activity. (Relevant topics include working postures,
materials handling, repetitive movements, work related
musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and
health.)
 Cognitive ergonomics :
is concerned with mental processes,
such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as
they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a
system. (Relevant topics include mental workload, decision-
making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction,
human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to
human-system design.)

 Organizational ergonomics:
is concerned with the optimization of sociotechnical systems,
including their organizational structures, policies, and processes.
.(Relevant topics include communication, crew resource
management, work design, design of working times, teamwork,
participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work,
new work paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and quality
management.)
PACKAGING AND ENCLOSURES
EPD
 PACKAGING INFLUENCE AND
ITS FACTORS
 Drives the design for most electronic instruments.
 Involves considerations like,
 Cost
 Size
 Shape
 Weight
 Mechanisms
 Finishes
 Appearance
 Serviceability
 Reliability
 Regulations and Standards
 An example
 Medical market requires rugged but safe
instruments .Military devices have to work under
rugged conditions and provide good performance.
 Military electronics often have to operate at ambient
temperatures between -55o C and +125o C while
industrial equipments has to operate between -40o C
and +85o C.
 DESIGN FOR
MANUFACTURE,ASSEMBLY AND
DISASSEMBLY

 Some ways to reduce the cost of both assembly

and production are:
 Simple or automated assembly
 Reduction of adjustments and calibrations
 Interchangeable parts
 Minimum inventory and parts handling
 Adaptation of existing manufacturing
capabilities
 Minimum vendor count
 WIRING

 Has many applications and complex variations

based on current carrying capacity, mechanical
strength, insulation properties and shielding.
 Design consideration includes the following:
 Vibration, abrasion and shock
 Types of connectors
 EMI emission
 Wire routing
 Servicing
 Temperature ,humidity and fungus
 CONNECTORS
 Connectors raise the following issues:
 Contact force and resistance
 Gastight fit
 Corrosion
 Life cycle, wear and fatigue
 Keying
 TEMPERATURE

 Mismatch between temperature coefficients of

thermal expansion during temperature changes put
stress on mechanical joints and accelerate failure.
 Hence ,a possible way out is by using cooling
systems.
 It will help the designer to minimize thermal
transients and gradients in circuits.
 VIBRATION AND SHOCK

 Problem areas include the following:

 Cables and connectors
 Flexure stress at junction of lead and component body
 Component shaking loose
 Transformers ,batteries, large capacitors
 Mechanical relays chattering above 10g and 500 Hz

 Some guidelines to reduce the problems in vibrations are:

 Mechanically damp heavy or large structures.
 Firmly anchor large masses
 Add support to long, flexible circuit boards
 Clamp large components
 Use short component leads
 Avoid sliding joints
 VIBRATION AND SHOCK

a) Leads should remain short to add stiffness

b) Components mounted on the posts should have a strain relief loop
c) Large components should be strapped or clamped down
d) Heavy components should be mounted near mechanical supports
OTHER MECHANICAL ISSUES
 Size, Weight and Volume

 Fire and Flood Survival

 Materials

 Safety