Conceptual Design of an Industrial Manipulator for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Participatory Approach

Background. This study outlines the conceptual design process of an innovative load manipulator adapted to the brewing industry, to mitigate ergonomic risk factors associated with manual handling of heavy loads, stacking, and manual palletizing. The aim. To design a load manipulator for the func...

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Main Authors: Misael Ron, Evelin Escalona, Estela Hernández-Runque, Javier Gonzalez-Argote
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Lithuanian Sports University 2024-06-01
Series:Reabilitacijos Mokslai: Slauga, Kineziterapija, Ergoterapija
Online Access:https://journals.lsu.lt/reabilitacijos-mokslai/article/view/1482
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author Misael Ron
Evelin Escalona
Estela Hernández-Runque
Javier Gonzalez-Argote
author_facet Misael Ron
Evelin Escalona
Estela Hernández-Runque
Javier Gonzalez-Argote
author_sort Misael Ron
collection DOAJ
description Background. This study outlines the conceptual design process of an innovative load manipulator adapted to the brewing industry, to mitigate ergonomic risk factors associated with manual handling of heavy loads, stacking, and manual palletizing. The aim. To design a load manipulator for the function of “low-pressure table assistant” within a brewery. Methods. A descriptive non-experimental study was accomplished, using an ergonomic and participatory approach, that is divided into three phases. Anthropometric adaptability and worker dimensions were assessed to determine the selected design. Finally, the given concept was thoroughly documented by creating drawings and technical data. Results. The mean measured height was 173.4 centimeters, with a standard deviation of 4.6 centimeters, spanning a range of 165.8 centimeters (5th percentile) to 178.5 centimeters (95th percentile). This range suggests a moderate adequacy of the evaluated workforce in terms of height. Four main functions were identified: transporting boxes within the workspace, providing load support, allowing operator control, and ensuring safety. In addition, with this lifting device, the operator can handle 2, 4, or even 6 boxes simultaneously, with speed, flexibility, and functionality. Conclusions. In particular, the developed concept introduces significant innovations, such as the ability to, simultaneously handle several heavy loads and the integration of double-jointed pivots, which extends its operational range. These innovations contribute to the prevention of forced postures and manual lifting of heavy loads. Keywords: ergonomics, equipment design, industrial manipulator, prevention, musculoskeletal disorders.
format Article
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issn 2029-3194
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language English
publishDate 2024-06-01
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series Reabilitacijos Mokslai: Slauga, Kineziterapija, Ergoterapija
spelling doaj-art-c7253e6f270047459d805544744f43852025-01-09T09:27:20ZengLithuanian Sports UniversityReabilitacijos Mokslai: Slauga, Kineziterapija, Ergoterapija2029-31942538-86732024-06-0113010.33607/rmske.v1i30.1482Conceptual Design of an Industrial Manipulator for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Participatory ApproachMisael Ron0Evelin Escalona1Estela Hernández-Runque2Javier Gonzalez-Argote3Instituto de Altos Estudios Arnoldo Gabaldon, Aragua; University of Carabobo, CaraboboUniversity of Carabobo, CaraboboUniversity of Carabobo, CaraboboHealth, Science and Technology Foundation, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires Background. This study outlines the conceptual design process of an innovative load manipulator adapted to the brewing industry, to mitigate ergonomic risk factors associated with manual handling of heavy loads, stacking, and manual palletizing. The aim. To design a load manipulator for the function of “low-pressure table assistant” within a brewery. Methods. A descriptive non-experimental study was accomplished, using an ergonomic and participatory approach, that is divided into three phases. Anthropometric adaptability and worker dimensions were assessed to determine the selected design. Finally, the given concept was thoroughly documented by creating drawings and technical data. Results. The mean measured height was 173.4 centimeters, with a standard deviation of 4.6 centimeters, spanning a range of 165.8 centimeters (5th percentile) to 178.5 centimeters (95th percentile). This range suggests a moderate adequacy of the evaluated workforce in terms of height. Four main functions were identified: transporting boxes within the workspace, providing load support, allowing operator control, and ensuring safety. In addition, with this lifting device, the operator can handle 2, 4, or even 6 boxes simultaneously, with speed, flexibility, and functionality. Conclusions. In particular, the developed concept introduces significant innovations, such as the ability to, simultaneously handle several heavy loads and the integration of double-jointed pivots, which extends its operational range. These innovations contribute to the prevention of forced postures and manual lifting of heavy loads. Keywords: ergonomics, equipment design, industrial manipulator, prevention, musculoskeletal disorders. https://journals.lsu.lt/reabilitacijos-mokslai/article/view/1482
spellingShingle Misael Ron
Evelin Escalona
Estela Hernández-Runque
Javier Gonzalez-Argote
Conceptual Design of an Industrial Manipulator for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Participatory Approach
Reabilitacijos Mokslai: Slauga, Kineziterapija, Ergoterapija
title Conceptual Design of an Industrial Manipulator for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Participatory Approach
title_full Conceptual Design of an Industrial Manipulator for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Participatory Approach
title_fullStr Conceptual Design of an Industrial Manipulator for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Participatory Approach
title_full_unstemmed Conceptual Design of an Industrial Manipulator for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Participatory Approach
title_short Conceptual Design of an Industrial Manipulator for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Participatory Approach
title_sort conceptual design of an industrial manipulator for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders a participatory approach
url https://journals.lsu.lt/reabilitacijos-mokslai/article/view/1482
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AT estelahernandezrunque conceptualdesignofanindustrialmanipulatorforthepreventionofmusculoskeletaldisordersaparticipatoryapproach
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