What You Missed at MinExpo 2024
MinExpo is the industry’s largest global mining event and the GS Global Resources team proudly shared a number of new products at the 2024 show. Didn’t make it to the show? Take a closer look at some of the new solutions that were on display.
Ergonomic Armrests
As the primary touchpoint for heavy equipment operators, armrest ergonomics is a key, but often overlooked, design aspect. Depending on the application, dozens of functions must be easily accessible to optimize machine performance and productivity. You can integrate a good number into a configurable joystick, but some operators prefer having clearly labeled buttons or switches, taking up more space on an armrest or console.
In this video, one of our engineering team managers discusses a recent armrest design we created with four levels, utilizing multiple plastic molds, so that we could incorporate many controls, including illuminated push buttons and a custom joystick assembly. In order to maximize control space, the switches are also located on the front face of the top level so the operator can simply move their arm forward slightly to use those function, rather than having to utilize a separate console or post pilar for controls.
Custom Cabs
Your machine is designed for a specific purpose, with specific operator needs in mind. At GS Global Resources, we understand the primary goals of every cab are safety, productivity and operator experience. With our broad range of custom cab solutions, we have the expertise and ability to optimize ergonomics, implement application-specific features, and integrate innovative safety features. We are constantly working with industry leading suppliers to utilize the latest innovations in electronics into our cabs, including safety and radar systems and specialty plastics and windows. Our experienced engineering team consists of programming and IQAN by Parker Hannifin experts who can seamlessly integrate all of the desired components, like switch panels and joysticks, and other features into your machine’s main control system. Finally, our partnership with ADC Equipment Innovations allows us to create your fully populated and tested cab all the way from initial concepts and designs to plug and play solution.
Go inside our new show cab in the viewer below!
Joysticks
Joysticks may not be the largest or flashiest component on a piece of machinery, but as the primary touchpoint for operators, careful consideration must be given to every factor including machine application, mounting, primary functions, and more. At GS Global Resources, custom joysticks are our biggest product, so we have a vast amount of experience designing and integrating them for OEMs in numerous industries with countless features and functions. In this video, one of our account managers walks through a unique joystick project and how we were able to design a solution that not only worked for the machine’s primary environment, but also saves the OEM replacement cost and service time.
Complete Seat Assemblies
Heavy equipment operators are in the seat of their machine & utilizing its controls for extended periods of time. A well thought-out seat design, taking into consideration suspension, integrated controls, & materials, is crucial to the overall human machine interface (HMI). At GS Global Resources, we have experience with variations and customizations of every aspect of a seat and its functionality. We take the time to fully understand your safety concerns, desired base level of comfort, and branding standards to create a complete solution that seamlessly integrates into your machine. And perhaps most importantly, our engineering team will work with you to design innovative and efficient controls, including custom joysticks, ergonomic armrests, programmable displays and more to optimize machine control and operator efficiency.
