Force Atlas for Assembly Operations Part II

Project No. FF-FP 0262

Status:

completed 04/2008

Aims:

- realization of an atlas of maximal isometric action forces of the whole body/shoulder-arm-system and the hand-finger-system for real type working postures in industrial operations - development of a method for the determination of maximum recommended force limits

Activities/Methods:

- Development of a measuring concept - Design and construction of two mobile modular systems for the measurement of maximal static forces - Development and adaptation of the software - Testing the measurement systems in the field and laboratory as well as optimization of the measurement procedure - Force measurements in the field and laboratory - Creation of an evaluation and presentation concept - Statistical processing of force data and their presentation as a force atlas - Development of an evaluation method for the determination of maximum recommended force limits

Results:

The "force atlas for assembly operations" shows the maximum isometric force values as percentiles under typical real-case conditions for 54 force exertions performed with both hands of the whole-body system, and for 38 force exertions of the hand-finger system. By means of correction factors, which were determined in the laboratory studies, the maximum forces can be determined for asymmetrical and one-handed force exertions. Based upon this data, an evaluation method was developed for determining the maximum recommended force values in consideration of personal and task-specific parameters which is suitable for use in both planning analyses and analyses of existing situations.

Last Update:

2 May 2016

Project

Financed by:
  • Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung e. V. (DGUV)
Research institution(s):
  • TU Darmstadt, Institut für Arbeitswissenschaft
Branche(s):

-cross sectoral-

Type of hazard:

work-related diseases, work-related health hazards, design of work and technology

Catchwords:

load, ergonomics, physical strain/stress

Description, key words:

whole-body forces, finger forces, assembly workplace, workplace planning, hazard assessment, maximum "recommended" force values