RNLI Trent Class Wheelhouse Brief
Duration: 5 Days
Canary Designs partnered with Nottingham Trent University to undertake an ergonomic review of the Trent Class wheelhouse. The Trent class boat was introduced in 1984 to replace the Arun and Waveney with an operating range of 80km and a top speed of 25 knots, the Trent used in the study was based in Ballycotton, southern Ireland.
Method
Due to the age of the Trent, there were no CAD models available for the wheelhouse, Canary Designs organised the 3D scanning of the wheelhouse to produce a CAD model accurate to plus or minus 2 mm. The 3D scanning was conducted by OR3D limited a specialist company based in Bristol and Chirk.
The site visit then took place at Ballycotton, to gather representative samples of anthropometric data for the crew, video observations and unstructured interviews to understand how the stakeholders interacted with the individual crew stations.
The anthropometric data was then used to build digital human manikins that reflected the stakeholder’s individual measurements such as 40th percentile stature with 95th percentile arm length for one particular individual. The video observation and interviews were then used to model up stakeholder interactions at each crew position.
Outcome
Canary Designs produced a technical report that identified short, medium, and long-term design solutions. The shortfalls were identified, and proposed solutions modelled up in CAD. The client has ended up with a 3D CAD model of the Trent, anthropometric data for their crew, and an insight into how they interact with the boat when responding to a shout.
Testimonials
I am Chair of the North East Wales Panel of Remap, we design and make “Bespoke Equipment” for the disabled, John approached us about Gary working alongside our volunteer Engineers during his stay for a month spread over the year, we accepted his offer and agreed for that to happen.
John and Gary came to our Monthly meeting in September and I can say he immediately settled in, introduced himself and not only listened to our discussions relating to ongoing work but asked questions showing an interest in what we do.
Gary, a very polite likeable chap who has displayed a good work ethic and is keen to make the best of his time with us. In the short time he has been with us he has impressed everyone with his knowledge and the ideas he puts forward for consideration.
When he has been with an Engineer to see clients regarding our work, he always has empathy with them regarding their issues and always eager to attempt to resolve them and improve their lives.
I was the Project Manager responsible for converting decommissioned areas into storage facilities for storing drums of radioactive waste at Bradwell Decommissioning Site. John Lovegrove was appointed to add his expertise and insight into supporting the Project. John used his area of expertise to add value and focus into the delivery of the best solutions. John was a valuable member of the team with a gift for highlighting the often overlooked items in the early stages. Measure twice cut once.
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to John Lovegrove of Canary Designs for the professional and knowledgeable commitment provided in a challenging legal claim arising out of a work-related upper limb disorder.
It was extremely helpful to have an expert in this specialist field of work who could produce a technical and detailed report very quickly. Indeed, I am sure that Mr Lovegrove’s investigation and report was a pivotal factor in the success of my client’s claim.
I would highly recommend Canary Designs.
John and Canary Designs were called in to help us assess the ergonomics of our workplace in light of the repetitive nature of many of our laboratory activities. They spent time in the laboratory videoing activities and talking through tasks with the staff to ensure that they thoroughly understood them. As a result they were able to recommend a number of very practical, targeted alterations that we have since implemented and which have transformed the way that we work. We were very happy with the service we received and would definitely use them again in the future.