Using subject-specific three-dimensional (3D) anthropometry data in digital human modelling: case study in hand motion simulation

Simplifying Computer Aided Ergonomics: A User-Product Interaction-Modeling Framework in CAD Based on a Taxonomy of Elementary Affordances

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSThis contribution provides a framework for modeling user-product interactions (in CAD) for in-depth ergonomic analysis of product design, using digital human models. The framework aims to be applicable to a wide range of different products while being suitable for designers - especially those who do not have specialized ergonomic expertise or training in human behavior - by providing an intuitive, standardized, and time-efficient modeling procedure. The framework contains 31 elementary affordances, which describe mechanical dependencies between product geometries and human end effectors. These elementary affordances serve as a tool for interaction modeling. Additionally, the paper provides a taxonomy of elementary affordances, which can be used to formalize / abstract the nature of user-product interactions and to describe them as elementary affordances. Furthermore, an implementation of the interaction-modeling framework is presented in a CAD environment and provides an example of how the framework could be used in terms of a computer aided ergonomics tool.

The correction of clothing insulation and ergonomic design through 3D CAD reverse engineering

Three-dimensional (3D) scanning and computer-aided design (CAD) technology has been used in engineering and ergonomics practice for several years, due to their admissibility in producing accurate 3D object representation, scan data restoration and modification. Lately, application was extended for reconstructing and modelling 3D scan data of the human body, since this enables tracing the geometry information and precise measurement analysis. In this study, this technology was applied to analyse scanned models of a dressed human body. The changes in microclimatic air distribution and clothing area due to changing upper limb positions, simulating functional reaching movements for aircrew personnel, were calculated using 3D scanning and CAD technology. The results prove the posture representing the overall lateral limit of reach to be the best for the volume and area identification by means of 3D scanning. The study will further serve as a basis to modify clothing prototypes for improved thermal protection.