BLOODHOUND

grabcad

Design Notes Function and Ergonomics Whilst this design may seem conventional and standard as first glance, every component has been engineered with ergonomics as a primary concern. The design uses tried and tested conventions with a high level of user-specific customisation, to provide the best possible interface between driver and vehicle. With such intense speed, acceleration, vibration etc.. the steering wheels features need to be intuitively accessible for the driver. • A familiar size and layout makes the wheel and its functions instantly accessible and intuitive. • All buttons are controlled with the thumbs. This allows driver to keep a tight grip and ensures that no buttons are accidentally pressed. • Buttons remain in the down position after being pressed. This saves valuable fractions of a second if the driver is unsure if he/she has pressed a button already. If pressed, they will feel that the button is in the down position. • Intuitive button order - Left-top (inner), left-bottom (inner), right-top (inner), right-bottom (inner), top-left, top-right. See Assembly page for labelled buttons. • Thumbs rest in a natural cavity next to the buttons. With practice this allows muscle memory to guide the drivers thumbs. This all but eliminates the need to look at the steering wheel. However, the design may gain from having the buttons labelled if this is the driver's preference. • The middle section is recessed from the centre axis of the grip so that the buttons are in a more natural position for the thumbs to reach them. • The primary and backup chute buttons are on top of grips (shown in red) allowing for easy, deliberate access and preventing accidental deployment. (See Assembly page). • The simple Design allows for less components which increases reliability and aids in fault finding. Mockup The conventional layout has been tried and tested over the years. The driver is very familiar with it. However, this design can be ‘tweaked’ and adjusted to the drivers specific dimensions to make it a virtual extension of him or herself. This can be achieved by creating a fully adjustable mock-up prototype (see Fully Adjustable Mock-up) machined from simple aluminium sections, 3D printed or even made from LEGO Technic. The mock-up may not look elegant or beautiful but its function is paramount. With all the adjustable sections loosened, the wheel is mounted into the cockpit and the driver is seated. He/she will move the various adjustable elements until it is comfortable. The precise button locations will then be selected by the driver and marked on the mock-up. With the adjustable elements now tightened, measurements can be taken from the mock-up and incorporated into the final design to make it as unique and intuitive as the hands which wield it.