Using biomechanical analysis and user feedback to evaluate optimal design specifications in lift assist devices

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Title Using biomechanical analysis and user feedback to evaluate optimal design specifications in lift assist devices
Publication Type thesis
School or College College of Engineering
Department Mechanical Engineering
Author Brammer, Christopher D.
Date 2011-12
Description Lifting heavy loads is a major concern for workers and employers as it may contribute to low back pain (LBP). Although a workstation may be ergonomically abated so as to reduce lifting, it is not reasonable to completely eliminate all lifting from some jobs. For this reason, a great deal of work has been done to study the biomechanics of different lifting techniques. More recently, in an effort to reduce the risk involved with lifting, new technology is emerging that aids with human-powered lifting. A Lift Assist Device (LAD) is a mechanical aid that supports some of the forces or torques during lifting, by transferring them to an area with a lower risk of injury. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of LAD designs, and identify key features to be incorporated into future LAD designs. Ten healthy male participants tested 36 combinations of four LAD conditions (three different designs and nonassisted), at three different speeds (slow, medium, fast), and with three twisting conditions (left, forward, right). The LAD designs included three unique methods for generating torque, two prototypes, and one commercially available device. Many statistically significant (p<0.05) differences between devices and between lifting postures were identified. These differences were examined to show strengths and weaknesses in the effect of each LAD. This information may be useful when choosing a specific type of LAD for a particular job and when considering future designs for LADs.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Lift assist devices; Ergonomic; Lift; Passive; Twist; Lifting and carrying -- Equipment and supplies -- Design and construction
Dissertation Institution University of Utah
Dissertation Name Master of Science
Language eng
Rights Management Copyright © Christopher D. Brammer 2011
Format application/pdf
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 1,156,373 bytes
Identifier us-etd3,71866
Source Original in Marriott LIbrary Special Collections, T7.5 2011 .B73
ARK ark:/87278/s6fb5hqh
Setname ir_etd
ID 194785
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6fb5hqh
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