Transcript Session II - Ergo

Anthropometry
 The measurement of the
human body
 Humans vary in size, strength
 Anthropometric data is used
to design workplaces and
tools to fit range of human
body dimensions
 History
 Population differences
 Ethnic, age, gender
RIT / CIMS - Ergonomic Development Laboratory
Anthropometry (cont.)
 Static anthropometry
 Measurement of body in rigid, upright postures versus working
postures
 Does not represent working postures
 Univariate data, body dimensions unrelated in space
 Must make adjustments for clothing
 Dynamic anthropometry / “Functional anthropometry”
 Body data depends on coordinated effort of several body segments
 Zones of convenience, normal working areas
 Data integrated, algorithms used to develop contours/topography
 Need for reliable, fast, inexpensive computer models
RIT / CIMS - Ergonomic Development Laboratory
Terminology
 Height: straight line point-point vertical measure
 Breadth: Horizontal measure across body
 Depth: Horizontal measure from front-back
 Curvature: follows contour, not closed
 Circumference: closed measure around body contour
 Reach: measure along long axis of arm or leg
RIT / CIMS - Ergonomic Development Laboratory
Anthropometric Design Principles
Design to fit range
Design reach dimensions for smallest operator
Design clearance dimensions for largest operator
If range can’t be fit, then provide adjustability
Select range dependent upon exclusion
implications and cost of inclusion
RIT / CIMS - Ergonomic Development Laboratory
Anthropometric Statistics
 Population percentile - % of population considered
 If design for mean, 50% excluded
 Typically, design for 95% of population (i.e., 5% female to
95% male)
 Percentiles calculated assuming population data is
normally distributed
RIT / CIMS - Ergonomic Development Laboratory
Anthropometric Design
 Step 1: Static layout
Select anthropometric measures which directly relate to
design
Determine fit of design requirement (i.e., clearance,
reach, range)
Combine all selected measures in model and determine
compatibility
Select fixed or adjustable design to fit all users
• From Ergonomics, Kroemer et al., 1994
RIT / CIMS - Ergonomic Development Laboratory
Anthropometric Design (cont.)
 Step 2: Fitting trials
Choose operators using anthropometric data in reverse
(i.e., 5th percentile female, 95th percentile male, etc.)
Arrange model with adjustable dimensions
Determine comfort range for each subject
Select fixed or adjustable design to fit all users
 Step 3: Performance Trials
 Develop working/production prototype
 Obtain productivity, quality, comfort measures
RIT / CIMS - Ergonomic Development Laboratory