1

Extrem

e Environm

ents

2

Ext

rem

e E

nviro

nmen

ts

For this 6 week project, RISD’s Industrial Design Graduate Students collaborated with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to meet the challenge of redesigning the cabin of the Human Occupied Deep Submergence Vehicle: Alvin. Patrick Hickey—Alvin Manager / Pilot, Anthony Tarantino—Research Engineer / Assistant Project Manager RHOV, and Barrie Walden—Principal Engineer with Operational Scientific Services, acted as clients, advisors and end-users.

Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionProgram: Re-design the Alvin’s interior cabin

3

Extrem

e Environm

ents

The DSV hull is assembled of two forged titanium hemispheres that have been electron beam (EB) welded together to form a sphere which has an interior diameter of approximately 80 inches (a little more than 6 feet). The personnel sphere interior’s purpose is to facilitate comfort and efficiency of control and observation for the pilot and two science observers during normal operations. Human factors are the driving constituent of decisions. It includes, but is not limited to, the following considerations:

Images on this spread property of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

•Seating positions

•Seat construction

•Restraints

•Cabin layout

•Control positions

•Equipment attachments

•Cabin temperature

4

Ext

rem

e E

nviro

nmen

ts

Our first step was to visit the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute to interview the pilots and engineers currently working on the next generation Alvin. On their site stood a prototype shell in its early stages. This allowed us the opportunity to get first-hand experience with both the physicality of the environment as well as its users.

Woods Hole Visit

5

Extrem

e Environm

ents

Design PrinciplesOur team of designers included: Gunther Chanange, Christina Kazakia, Na Ree Kim and myself. As we began the process of sketching and developing ideas, we created a set of core design principles we understood would be important to every aspect of the design.

6

Ext

rem

e E

nviro

nmen

ts

The WHOI Sphere

Users

Scientists

Adam Sovle - Geologist - 3 Trips

Susan Humphris - Geochemist - More than 30 dives

Dan Fornari - Studies Deep Sea Volcanoes - More than 100 Dives

Pilots

Pat Hickey

Dudley Foster

Anthony Tarantino

Maintenance Crew?

Motion Map

Pilot

Leaning Forward - Looking Out Center-Front Port - Controlling the Vehicle

Sitting Upright - Viewing Monitor - Controlling the Vehicle

Standing Upright - Facing Backwards - Accessing Electronics Rack

2 Scientists

Sitting Upright - Facing the Center of the Sphere

Leaning Over / Laying on the Side - Looking Out the View Port - Observing the Monitor(s)

Kneeling - Leaned Over the Seat - Looking Out the Side View Port

All Users

Climbing In and Out of Hatch

Standing - Accessing Oxygen, Scrubbers

Design Values

Pleasant

Universal

Symmetrical

Ergonomic

Organic

Durable

Innovative

Cost Effective

Safe

Effecient

Essential Equipment

Furniture

Pilot Seat

Crew / Scientists x 2

Atmosphere / Life Support

CO2 Scrubbers

Scrubber Assembly (x1)

Scrubber Refills (x2)

Backup Scrubber Refills (x6)

Emergency Breathing Masks (x3)

O2 Tanks (x12)

Emergency Rebreathers (Bio-Pack) (x3)

Controls

Manipulator Controls (x2)

Schilling Master Control (x2)

3D Propulsion Joystick

Data Collection / Science Rack

CPCI Card Rack (x1)

PC104 I/O Computer (x1)

PC104 Digital I/O Card (x2)

PC104 Analog I/O Card (x3)

PC104 Supply (x1)

Displays

Pilot's Multi-Function Overhead Display (x3)

Pilot's Multi-Function Console Display (x1)

Observers' Multi-Function Console Display (x2)

Design Opportunities

Pilot's SeatNoseless Bicycle SeatWhat about using bike parts to build adjustable seating for crew?

Crew Seat x2 (Symmetrical)

Organization of Equipment / ToolsHeadroom

Access to Information

Monitors

Ship Feedback/Monitoring

Dual Camera Visual

"periscope" port jig

New Electronic Equipment Configuration

From Tape to Solid State

Touch Screen Monitors

Handheld Monitors

The Software That Commands and Controls Recording Equipment, Visual Organization

Personal Audio Equipment, Voice Recording, Communication

7

Extrem

e Environm

ents

The WHOI Sphere

Users

Scientists

Adam Sovle - Geologist - 3 Trips

Susan Humphris - Geochemist - More than 30 dives

Dan Fornari - Studies Deep Sea Volcanoes - More than 100 Dives

Pilots

Pat Hickey

Dudley Foster

Anthony Tarantino

Maintenance Crew?

Motion Map

Pilot

Leaning Forward - Looking Out Center-Front Port - Controlling the Vehicle

Sitting Upright - Viewing Monitor - Controlling the Vehicle

Standing Upright - Facing Backwards - Accessing Electronics Rack

2 Scientists

Sitting Upright - Facing the Center of the Sphere

Leaning Over / Laying on the Side - Looking Out the View Port - Observing the Monitor(s)

Kneeling - Leaned Over the Seat - Looking Out the Side View Port

All Users

Climbing In and Out of Hatch

Standing - Accessing Oxygen, Scrubbers

Design Values

Pleasant

Universal

Symmetrical

Ergonomic

Organic

Durable

Innovative

Cost Effective

Safe

Effecient

Essential Equipment

Furniture

Pilot Seat

Crew / Scientists x 2

Atmosphere / Life Support

CO2 Scrubbers

Scrubber Assembly (x1)

Scrubber Refills (x2)

Backup Scrubber Refills (x6)

Emergency Breathing Masks (x3)

O2 Tanks (x12)

Emergency Rebreathers (Bio-Pack) (x3)

Controls

Manipulator Controls (x2)

Schilling Master Control (x2)

3D Propulsion Joystick

Data Collection / Science Rack

CPCI Card Rack (x1)

PC104 I/O Computer (x1)

PC104 Digital I/O Card (x2)

PC104 Analog I/O Card (x3)

PC104 Supply (x1)

Displays

Pilot's Multi-Function Overhead Display (x3)

Pilot's Multi-Function Console Display (x1)

Observers' Multi-Function Console Display (x2)

Design Opportunities

Pilot's SeatNoseless Bicycle SeatWhat about using bike parts to build adjustable seating for crew?

Crew Seat x2 (Symmetrical)

Organization of Equipment / ToolsHeadroom

Access to Information

Monitors

Ship Feedback/Monitoring

Dual Camera Visual

"periscope" port jig

New Electronic Equipment Configuration

From Tape to Solid State

Touch Screen Monitors

Handheld Monitors

The Software That Commands and Controls Recording Equipment, Visual Organization

Personal Audio Equipment, Voice Recording, Communication

The ProgramWithin the context of a six week program our team had to choose from among a vast array of possible design opportunities to determine where we could provide our highest value. This required us to step back and assess as much of the structure, function, process and purpose regarding the elements and interactions pertinent to the human in the Alvin’s environment.

8

Ext

rem

e E

nviro

nmen

ts

Scale Mock-ups

To get a handle on the interior space of the cabin we built various scale models, as well as, half of a full scale mock-up that we could put ourselves into and test prototypes.

9

Extrem

e Environm

ents

10

Ext

rem

e E

nviro

nmen

ts

11

Extrem

e Environm

ents

12

Ext

rem

e E

nviro

nmen

tsPilot’s Seat Inspiration

+ + +

13

Extrem

e Environm

ents

Tilting Lumbar Support

Pilot Seat Scale Models

Mesh Seat Pan Adjustable Console

Chest & Forearm Support PadSeat Tilting Control

Adjustable Foot Blocks

Sliding Track

Hydraulic Lift

Adjustable Knee Pad

14

Ext

rem

e E

nviro

nmen

tsCrew Seat Inspiration and Scale Models

15

Extrem

e Environm

ents

Side raises and lowers

Underseat storage

Small pocket for personal item storage

Writing surface raises & swivels

Seat cushion moves to side to allow window port access

Seat back folds up & down

16

Ext

rem

e E

nviro

nmen

ts

Presentation

As the final step in the program, we once again visited the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and presented our work to the pilots and engineers for their review.

17

Extrem

e Environm

ents