Comfort Evaluation and Position Optimization of the Clutch Pedal in Agricultural Machinery Based on a Multi-Level Evaluation System

Abstract

HighlightsComfort evaluation and position parameter optimization of the clutch pedal were conducted.A comprehensive evaluation system was established for sitting comfort and operating comfort.A single-factor test and a response surface optimization test were carried out.Pedal inclination and its left-right distance synergistically influenced operating comfort.Abstract. The clutch pedal is the most frequently used control device in agricultural machinery and is an important component that affects operating comfort and safety. This study focused on the comfort evaluation and position parameter optimization of the clutch pedal based on a multi-degree-of-freedom test platform of an agricultural machinery cab. First, the H point (hip point) was determined based on a human body model of the operator’s sitting posture as a reference. Two position parameters were then determined: the pedal inclination angle, and the left-right distance of the pedal relative to the operator’s centerline. On this basis, a comprehensive evaluation system for sitting comfort and operating comfort was established. Single-factor tests were used to determine the comfort range and optimal levels of the two position parameters. A response surface optimization was then performed to determine the optimal parameter combination, and a first-order regression model of the response surface was established and corrected using the variance analysis method. The analysis results showed that the pedal inclination angle and its interaction with the left-right distance had a significant effect on comfort (a = 0.05). Based on the evaluation results, the mechanism underlying the influence of the position parameters on pedal comfort was analyzed. Finally, optimization and verification of the pedal position parameters were performed. The results showed that the expected comprehensive score for pedal comfort was 0.831, with an average relative error of 3.64% from the measured value, indicating that the optimization of the position parameters was reliable. The findings of this study may provide a reference for the optimal design of clutch pedals in agricultural machinery. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Clutch pedal, Comfort evaluation, Parameter optimization, Response surface method.