Peter Vink
Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Department Member
Research Interests: Aviation and Aeronautics
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Sitting comfort is an important factor for passengers in selecting cars, airlines, etc. This paper proposes a soft robotic module that can be integrated into the seat cushion to provide better comfort experiences to passengers. Building... more
Sitting comfort is an important factor for passengers in selecting cars, airlines, etc. This paper proposes a soft robotic module that can be integrated into the seat cushion to provide better comfort experiences to passengers. Building on rapid manufacturing technologies and a data-driven approach, the module can be controlled to sense the applied force and the displacement of the top surface and actuate according to four designed modes. A total of 2 modules were prototyped and integrated into a seat cushion, and 16 subjects were invited to test the module’s effectiveness. Experiments proved the principle by showing significant differences regarding (dis)comfort. It was concluded that the proposed soft robotics module could provide passengers with better comfort experiences by adjusting the pressure distribution of the seat as well as introducing a variation of postures relevant for prolonged sitting.
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A variety of seals is used to close bags. Each seal has advantages and disadvantages. For shop assistants sealing bags could be a repetitive physically demanding action. Opening and closing the bags again can cause some discomfort or... more
A variety of seals is used to close bags. Each seal has advantages and disadvantages. For shop assistants sealing bags could be a repetitive physically demanding action. Opening and closing the bags again can cause some discomfort or annoyance for consumers. Besides, it is an activity which can endanger safety, i.e., knives being used in opening, children swallowing the systems of sealing. To prevent these problems a new sealing system was developed. In this paper the opinion of shop assistants, consumers and experts on several bag sealing systems was studied. It appeared that for sealing plastic bags, adhesive tape with paper is the best out of 4 systems, closely followed by adhesive tape. It is discussed that for the elderly, there is still room for improvement in opening bag seals.
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Bricklaying is a physically demanding job. Bricklayers frequently flex their trunk to pick up bricks and mortar and position these in a wall. The experienced workload is highest working with bricks at 0 to 50 cm from the floor. In this... more
Bricklaying is a physically demanding job. Bricklayers frequently flex their trunk to pick up bricks and mortar and position these in a wall. The experienced workload is highest working with bricks at 0 to 50 cm from the floor. In this study the effects of 2 devices that have proven to be feasible in practice are evaluated. The 50 cm raise due to the 2 devices is experienced as comfortable, the estimated lumbar compression force was reduced, and observations indicate likewise. It is discussed that the field experiments have many drawbacks. Nevertheless, based on this study in combination with other literature the improvements could be recommended.
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Research Interests: Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Occupational Health, Productivity, Work Environment, Problem Solving, and 15 moreWorkplace, Humans, Program Development, Applied Ergonomics, User Involvement, Goals, Medical Physiology, Efficiency, Theoretical Models, Shareholder Value, Organizational Innovation, Human Engineering, Consumer Participation, Success Factor, and Organizational case studies
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Research Interests: Pain, Occupational Health, Consumer Behavior, Medicine, Humans, and 15 moreApplied Ergonomics, Male, Netherlands, Electromyography, Medical Physiology, Middle Aged, Questionnaires, Adult, Hand, Human Engineering, Upper Extremity, Elsevier, Task Performance and Analysis, Equipment Design, and Muscle Activity
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ABSTRACT In this book papers of several authors are published concerning: 1. perception and design of spaces 2. ergonomics in industrial quality 3. human factors in terrorism 4. enterprise ICT and work 5. learning and training 6. flexible... more
ABSTRACT In this book papers of several authors are published concerning: 1. perception and design of spaces 2. ergonomics in industrial quality 3. human factors in terrorism 4. enterprise ICT and work 5. learning and training 6. flexible work force and work scheduling 7. adapting for special groups 8. ship design 9. changes at organizational level 10. new ways of work 11. user experience, comfort and emotion
Most research on product comfort focuses exclusively on the use of the evaluated product (e.g., Kyung, Nussbaum, & Babski-Reeves, 2008; Harih & Dolšak (2013). We sought to investigate the influence of a sitting precondition on ratings for... more
Most research on product comfort focuses exclusively on the use of the evaluated product (e.g., Kyung, Nussbaum, & Babski-Reeves, 2008; Harih & Dolšak (2013). We sought to investigate the influence of a sitting precondition on ratings for first impression of comfort, short-term comfort, and discomfort of a product. The aim was to assess if and how sensations experienced prior to product use affected product evaluation. Therefore, a vehicle seat was evaluated with two preconditions in a within-subjects design. The comfort model of Vink and Hallbeck was extended according to the findings of this study.
ABSTRACT This study shows what employees in the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) area within private Brazilian companies think about the relationship between ergonomic risks and Homogeneous Exposure Groups (HEG). Thirty-seven... more
ABSTRACT This study shows what employees in the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) area within private Brazilian companies think about the relationship between ergonomic risks and Homogeneous Exposure Groups (HEG). Thirty-seven professionals from different market segments answered a questionnaire via Google Docs. The results show that 75.6% of the companies sampled use HEG in order to map occupational risks. Within those companies, 54% include ergonomic risks in their HEG, which has negative consequences to both employees and employers in these companies.
ABSTRACT With the uncertainty of light rail for public transportation in the USA, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a growing trend. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) has been in operation since 1983, and functions as a Regional... more
ABSTRACT With the uncertainty of light rail for public transportation in the USA, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a growing trend. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) has been in operation since 1983, and functions as a Regional Transportation Authority. RFTA is the second largest public transit system in Colorado, after Denver Rapid Transit Delivery (RTD). RFTA is also the largest rural public transit system the United States of America (USA) and BRT VelociRFTA is the first Rural Bus Rapid Transit system in the USA. Results are positive for rider satisfaction and bus and bus station safety and comfort from a recent customer survey of RFTA’s VelociRFTA Bus Rapid Transit Program service and amenities. Ridership is up 22% for RFTA overall from 2013 with the introduction of the VelociRFTA BRT in the fall of 2013. Survey results will assist in training, productivity, well-being and sustainability for the existing and future RFTA programs. HFE recommendations for an updated dispatch control room are scheduled for fall of 2014.
This article aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of a scale that measures aircraft seat comfort. Factor analysis was used to study data variances. Psychometric quality was checked by using Item Response Theory. The sample... more
This article aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of a scale that measures aircraft seat comfort. Factor analysis was used to study data variances. Psychometric quality was checked by using Item Response Theory. The sample consisted of 1500 passengers who completed a questionnaire at a Brazilian airport. Full information factor analysis showed the presence of one dominant factor explaining 34% of data variance. The scale generated covered all levels of comfort data, from 'no comfort' to 'maximum comfort'. The results show that the passengers consider there is comfort, but this is very minimal when these passengers have to perform their desired activities. It tends to increase when aspects of the aircraft seating are improved and positive emotions are elicited. Comfort peaks when pleasure is experienced and passenger expectations are exceeded (maximum comfort). This outcome seems consistent with the literature. Further research is advised to compare the outcome of this questionnaire with other research methods, and to check if the questionnaire is sensitive enough and whether its conclusions are useful in practice.
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This literature review focused on passenger seat comfort and discomfort in a human-product-context interaction. The relationships between anthropometric variables (human level), activities (context level), seat characteristics (product... more
This literature review focused on passenger seat comfort and discomfort in a human-product-context interaction. The relationships between anthropometric variables (human level), activities (context level), seat characteristics (product level), and the perception of comfort and discomfort were studied through mediating variables, such as body posture, movement and interface pressure. It is concluded that there are correlations between anthropometric variables and interface pressure variables, and that this relationship is affected by body posture. The results of studies on the correlation between pressure variables and passenger comfort and discomfort are not in line with each other. Only associations were found between the other variables (e.g. activities and seat characteristics). A conceptual model illustrates the results of the review, but relationships could not be quantified due to a lack of statistical evidence and large differences in research set-ups between the reviewed pap...
Research Interests: Psychology and Ergonomics
Passive posture variation in vehicles could enable variation in pressure distribution and muscle activity to counter physical fatigue from static seating resulting in more comfort. The difference in posture, however, should not lead to... more
Passive posture variation in vehicles could enable variation in pressure distribution and muscle activity to counter physical fatigue from static seating resulting in more comfort. The difference in posture, however, should not lead to perceived discomfort and aspects of driving should be considered such as operating the steering wheel, pedals and vision in the mirrors. This study sets out to find out how much postural variation occurs during the driving task and how sensitive is the human body to these changes. The first experiment was user evaluation and assessed how and when the changes in seat configuration were noticeable to the human body. The second experiment evaluated the influence of varying inclination of the backrest and the seat pan by the rating of typical aspects of driving. The differences in seat configuration during experiment 1, were so small that there was no consistency in the ratings for the same configuration. The most critical feature that restrains the posture is the location of the rear view mirror. The range-of-motion is defined as -1° to +1° for the seat pan and 0° to +1.5° for the backrest based on the results of experiment 2 because of the restraints of the driving task.
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Designers develop their basic competences during their design education and these competences are later amplified and refined during their professional career. Therefore, one could expect that the design processes of professionals and of... more
Designers develop their basic competences during their design education and these competences are later amplified and refined during their professional career. Therefore, one could expect that the design processes of professionals and of student designers are conducted differently, and that these processes consist of different components (steps, actions, methods, tools, etc. used in the design process). The differences and similarities between the design processes of design students and professionals were studied. In addition the effect of the designers experience on the design process is studied. The design processes of seating products of 19 professional designers, 15 master students and 16 bachelor students were compared in order to understand the differences in the components they apply in their design process. The results showed significant differences between professional designers and design students for eight out of fifteen of the components. The components for which differences were found were applied more frequently by professionals than by students. For six of the components significant positive correlations were found with the designer's experience. There are significant differences between the design processes of design students as well as similarities. The differences amongst others related to the designers' experience.
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ABSTRACT An aircraft interior should be adjusted to the needs of elderly, but research data in this area are limited. Especially, in- and egress could be an issue. In this paper differences in strategies between elderly and students are... more
ABSTRACT An aircraft interior should be adjusted to the needs of elderly, but research data in this area are limited. Especially, in- and egress could be an issue. In this paper differences in strategies between elderly and students are studied in a mock-up by analyzing video recordings of the in- and egress in seat rows. It shows that elderly take significantly more in- and egress time, especially for the non-aisle seat. Elderly also use more often support by touching arm rests and backrests. The in- and egress of PRMs could be improved to give the right support, perhaps by redesign and to assign PRMs to special seats.
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ABSTRACT In this paper, a reaction on the proposed flowchart of Kanis is given by applying it to a new case. The flowchart seems valuable in starting the discussion on how to improve the reliability and validity in experimental human... more
ABSTRACT In this paper, a reaction on the proposed flowchart of Kanis is given by applying it to a new case. The flowchart seems valuable in starting the discussion on how to improve the reliability and validity in experimental human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) research. However, it is unsure whether it is the golden standard.
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ABSTRACT Travel is changing: more people travel; passengers do more - they use tablets, smart phones and laptops - and are connected. Travellers are also looking for sustainable ways of travel and more variation in interiors. This will... more
ABSTRACT Travel is changing: more people travel; passengers do more - they use tablets, smart phones and laptops - and are connected. Travellers are also looking for sustainable ways of travel and more variation in interiors. This will continue to change and knowledge on comfort and design is presented in this book and will be needed to create great travel experiences and support travellers in performing other tasks.
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ABSTRACT The role of the airplane in cross-continental travel is becoming more common today, asking for more attention for in-flight comfort and experience. Now the focus is on technology. However, humans have social needs and they gather... more
ABSTRACT The role of the airplane in cross-continental travel is becoming more common today, asking for more attention for in-flight comfort and experience. Now the focus is on technology. However, humans have social needs and they gather and form various social groups in society. In this paper, the airplane is partly assimilated to a microcosm of society with groups of passengers that form a crowd. Through studying the knowledge of crowd well-being in combination with shaping the future context based on research related to technology and its environment an interior design configuration is proposed using a Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft. Passengers are suggested to fly with a group of people with similar connections on social media or other future group forming social and technology systems to sustain their physical and psychological well-being, e.g. staying active or having a quiet rest. Based on this vision a design is made including a new seating arrangement with concepts of in-flight entertainment and flight attendant service. This interior design is expected to improve passenger’s comfort and experience in long flights by supporting their social and personal needs with advanced technology.
The extension force against resistance was recorded in 23 postures for 12 subjects to find explanations for the decrease in back strength in asymmetric postures. A reduction in muscle force in asymmetric postures was found up to 40%, but... more
The extension force against resistance was recorded in 23 postures for 12 subjects to find explanations for the decrease in back strength in asymmetric postures. A reduction in muscle force in asymmetric postures was found up to 40%, but was strongly dependent on the plane in which asymmetry occurred, and on the posture to which it referred. A quantitative relationship between the forces exerted in different asymmetric postures is discussed, as a basis for formulating universal ergonomic guidelines for optimal working postures. The reduction in force in different asymmetric postures can be explained by length of the muscle, the activation of the muscle, and the moment angle of the muscle.
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Comfort is increasingly important in sales of cars, hand tools, seats, earth moving machines and airplane tickets. Discomfort is a predictor of musculoskeletal injuries and should be reduced in situations that consume a significant part... more
Comfort is increasingly important in sales of cars, hand tools, seats, earth moving machines and airplane tickets. Discomfort is a predictor of musculoskeletal injuries and should be reduced in situations that consume a significant part of our time. However, there is no such thing as a general notion of comfort or discomfort. Therefore, in research on comfort, the end-user of a product must be involved. If its done on the right way the end-user involvement leads to profitable results, which is shown in several cases in this book. This book supports managers, designers and researchers in designing products and work stations to increase sales (by comfort increase) and to reduce musculoskeletal injuries (by discomfort reduction). Theory as well as good practices on comfort and discomfort are described for the first time in one book. Examples come from Japan, USA, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands. The reader is shown the latest developments in comfort theories on comfort and which fa...
ABSTRACT The application of ergonomics principles can reduce the number, severity, and costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Increasingly, academic and practitioner research demonstrates that ergonomic improvements also... more
ABSTRACT The application of ergonomics principles can reduce the number, severity, and costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Increasingly, academic and practitioner research demonstrates that ergonomic improvements also contribute to manufacturing operating efficiency and a company's profitability. This paper examines whether it is possible to identify business benefits achieved through ergonomics interventions via an ergonomics award process. The projects, conducted independently at numerous manufacturing locations and submitted to a global company's internal ergonomics award process, were reviewed for effect upon both WMSDs and operational efficiency. The results suggest the award process was successful in gathering relevant information about the projects, and that a macroergonomics program methodology along with a participatory approach supported successful results. A cost-benefit estimation showed positive effects in operational efficiency and WMSD reduction. Possible improvements to the award submission process were identified.