Sean Platek

2020

My name is Sean Platek. I am 23 years old and I was born in London, Ontario. From 2015 until now I have been enrolled in Humber’s Design Foundation and Industrial Design programs. In my spare time I enjoy things such as drawing, skateboarding, and origami. I take a lot of inspiration from science fiction and the future, as well as the beauty of the world around us. My goal as a designer is to design unique, yet innovative products that solve problems for the user and fit into complicated market spaces.

This video will showcase some of my work and give more information about my design aspirations.

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Omni, Safety Oriented Mining Equipment

Occupational hazards are a substantial problem plaguing the modern mining industry. This includes problems such as traumatic injuries, occupational diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. The scope of this thesis proposal is to help mitigate occupational hazards that underground mining personnel face on a daily basis by providing a new, innovative way of working safely in this situationally hazardous environment.

A variety of research methods were used to gain insight into the life of the user, the current products they use, and the practices currently put in place to help this issue including user interviews, benchmarking, and observational studies. In order to understand the user experience, a full scale ergonomic model was produced to create metrics and understand and document user interactions. By creating a design solution to promote a safe working experience, the mining personnel benefit with the ability to work with safety and confidence, and the industries that rely on the efficient procurement of materials benefit due to the streamlined workflow.

Download Thesis PDF

Thesis Summary Video Award Submission

This video will showcase problems and challenges in underground mining, as well as the design solution to help the end user.

CAD Animation

This video showcases the final CAD model and the various details included to resolve the design.

Physical Model

The final physical model was a mixture of 3D printed components and hand made components.

Meeting the Four Thesis Pillars for Design Excellence

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Enhancement of Human Lifestyle

Omni provides enhancement of human lifestyle by providing an innovative and safe way of accomplishing a variety of tasks in the depths of the mines

The user works in dangerous conditions for long hours every day and Omni aims to make this occupation more bearable overall. By extending the range of the user’s capabilities, and providing the user with a variety of tools at their disposal, Omni ensures that virtually any task can be accomplished in a safe and efficient manner. By having the ability to tackle many different tasks without changing vehicles, Omni enhances the workflow of the user by instilling confidence and applying a full range of motion. Omni makes the everyday tasks of mining personnel much more safe and manageable.

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Human-Interaction Design

Omni provides a full bodied human interaction design for the user. Rubberized step pads and floor mats provide a safe space for users to enter and exit the vehicle.

The standing support allows users to easily modify and lock into place to provide a sturdy surface for the user to stand against. The control scheme allows users to accurately mimic their movements for substantial accuracy. This freedom of movement and control extends the possible actions of the user, and makes accomplishing tasks more accurate and sequential for the user.

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Human Factors and Ergonomics

Omni is designed with numerous features to support the user in their daily tasks. The standing support contains cushioning, and when paired with the rubberized floor mats will help avoid the vibration caused by the tool operation.

The control screen is at a comfortable viewing angle so the user can easily use it without enduring strain. The step area has hazard lighting to ensure that the user is able to enter and exit Omni easily and without harm. The supporting rails allow the user to have a surface that is easy to grip and support them while they enter and leave the unit. Medical supplies and hand tools are easily accessed from a standing position. The interior is illuminated and spacious enough to ensure the user does not feel claustrophobic, and has enough room to utilize the full range of motion that the control scheme offers.

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Sustainability

Omni incorporates sustainability into all aspects of its design such as health and safety, product life cycle, and environmental consciousness. Omni is fully electric, with regenerative energy capabilities it is able to charge when idle.

By being fully electric powered it negates the numerous issues caused by large diesel engines underground, such as diesel particulate matter (which creates harmful toxic gas) and the immense heat build up from extended use. Omni uses a variety of durable materials to make up the frame to extend the product life cycle. Omni is easily disassembled and serviced to further improve the life cycle of the product. Due to the fact that Omni is easily disassembled, certain components can be easily recycled, with other components easily disposed of, thus helping the end of life of Omni.