Design optimization with respect to ergonomic properties

• Published in: Structural and multidisciplinary optimization Vol. 24; no. 2; pp. 89 - 97
• Main Authors: RASMUSSEN, J, DAMSGAARD, M, CHRISTENSEN, S. T, SURMA, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.09.2002; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anthropometry; Applied physiology; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Computer simulation; Design; Design engineering; Design optimization; Ergonomics; Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology; Exact sciences and technology; Human motion; Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology; Inverse dynamics; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Medical sciences; Muscle; Muscles; Optimality criteria; Saw; N body system; Manual activity; Numerical method; Modeling; Optimization; Inverse problem; Biomechanics; Engineering design; Ergonomics; Body movement; Minimax method; Optimality criterion
• ISSN: 1615-147X; 1615-1488
• DOI: 10.1007/s00158-002-0219-x

This paper introduces the idea of engineering design optimization with respect to ergonomic properties. The optimization is based on a detailed inverse dynamic analysis of the motion and forces of the human body. The problem of muscle recruitment calculation in inverse dynamics is introduced and solved via a min/max optimality criterion. The implementation of this criterion in the body modelling system AnyBody is described, and the use of the system is demonstrated on the sample problem of designing a hand saw. We conclude that the methodology is applicable but dependent on anthropometrically accurate body models.