EROGONOMICS LABORATORY
Mechanical Engineering Department
Vision:




To educate students the importance of Ergonomics, also called as Human Factors
Engineering.
To encourage students learn the principles of Ergonomics and the methods applied in
Engineering design and manufacturing.
To make students understand the issues related to occupational health and Work related
musculoskeletal disorders of the industrial workers (soft and hard core industries) and
solve the problems through the application of ergonomic principles and rules.
To support students in academics and in ethical research in designing
equipments/tools/machines which helps the society for a safe and better living.
Faculty
 Dr. S. Darius Gnanaraj, IQAC Co-ordinator, Karunya University.
 Mr.M.Wilson Kumar, Assistant Professor (SG) and Faculty Lab-in-charge,
Department of Mechanical Engineering
 Mrs. Mona Sahu, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
 Mr. Bobby Paul, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
INTRODUCTION
The Ergonomics Lab was established in the School of Mechanical Sciences in the Year
2010. At present the lab is exclusively used for the academic demonstration and research
purpose. Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the
understanding of the interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the
profession that applies theoretical principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize
human well-being and overall system. The aim of the ergonomists (those who practice
ergonomics) is to contribute to the planning, design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products,
organizations, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs,
abilities and limitations of people.
Domains of Specialization:
Derived from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws) to denote the science of work,
ergonomics is a systems-oriented discipline, which now applies to all aspects of human
activity. The ergonomics shall take into account the physical, cognitive, social, organizational,
environmental and other relevant factors.
Physical Ergonomics:
Physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and
biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. The relevant topics include
working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work-related musculoskeletal
disorders, workplace layout, safety and health.
Cognitive Ergonomics:
Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory,
reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a
system. The relevant topics include mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance,
human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to
human-system design.
Organizational Ergonomics:
Organizational ergonomics is concerned with the optimization of sociotechnical systems,
including their organizational structures, policies, and processes. The relevant topics include
communication, crew resource management, work design, design of working times, teamwork,
participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work paradigms,
organizational culture, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
I Portable Goniometer and EMG system PS900:
a) Portable Goniometer
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has purchased portable goniometer costing about 8.2
Lakhs from Biometrics Ltd., UK, through an Indian vendor Medi Analytika India Pvt. Ltd.,
Chennai. The comprehensive range of Biometrics' goniometers and torsiometers are ideal
for quick, simple, and accurate measurement of joint movement in multiple planes.
Extremely robust, lightweight and flexible, the sensors can be comfortably worn undetected
under clothing, without hindering the actual movement of the joint. The 'SG' series twin axis
goniometers and 'Q' series single axis torsiometers provide improved mechanical integrity and
electrical performance.
The Portable Goniometer includes the following items:
1. Data Logger (Bluetooth enabled)
2. Single and Twin axis Goniometers and Torsiometers
3. Surface EMG sensors with Ground Strap
4. Event Marker
b) Data Logger
The Data LOG MWX8 can be worn on the arm or leg in addition to the traditional belt/waist
placement. This miniaturized technology is by far the most powerful portable data acquisition
device available. During all stages of the design and development process, attention has been
given to the Bluetooth® Wireless link, providing real time data transfer and display. In addition,
the data is automatically backed up to the Micro SD card providing complete peace of mind.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Latest Generation Fully Programmable Portable Data Collection
Real Time Data Display and Analysis
Up to 24 Independent Programmable channels
Sampling Rates up to 20 KHz / channel (160 KHz total per DataLOG)
Auto Data Backup using Micro SD card
State of the art Wireless Bluetooth® Technology
Dynamic Link Library (dll) for Real Time Data Transfer to Other Applications
Readily Synchronizes with 3rd party Systems
Full Color Graphics LCD
DataLOG Features:
DataLOG is a general purpose, programmable Data Acquisition Unit allowing the user to collect
both analogue and digital data from a wide range of sensors. All Biometrics Ltd sensors readily
connect to the DataLOG including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Single and Twin Axis Goniometers
Torsiometers
Surface EMG
Contact Switches and Event Markers
Data recording options include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Display and analyze real time within the PC using Bluetooth®
Store on the PC and auto-back-up to the Micro SD card
Store data to the Micro SD card for later download
Transfer data real time using the Dynamic Link Library into 3rd party programs using tools
such as MS Visual Basic or Visual C++
Store as ASCII or as a standard Sound Wave file for passing into other applications such as
Microsoft Excel or Cool Edit
Display real time on the DataLOG Graphics Display in engineering units, or as a bar chart, or
as adjustable audible alarms
Manual start with pre-set automatic stop
Remote record start/stop by TTL signal sent from other instrumentation to the DataLOG (via
included SYNC1 Cable) i.e. DataLOG is a slave
Start/stop other instrumentation by TTL signal sent from the DataLOG (via included SYNC5
Cable) i.e. DataLOG is the master
The front end amplifier configuration and sensor power supply are programmable enabling the
researcher to also connect a wide range of general or custom transducers including:
1. General Load cells
2. Strain gauge devices
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Single ended voltage inputs
Differential voltage inputs
Temperature probes
Flow meters
Microphones
DataLOG and Menu System:
The DataLOG is configured from the host PC using the Bluetooth® wireless link, including
simple adjustments per channel for gain, power supply, sampling rate and datum settings. When
Biometrics' sensors are connected these parameters are automatically set using a drop down
menu. After configuring from the PC, many operations are carried out using the DataLOG LCD
and menu system. The screens are selected by scrolling left or right using the navigation joystick.
b) Goniometers and Torsiometers
Twin Axis Goniometers SG65, SG110, SG110/A, SG150, SG150/B
The 'SG' series twin axis goniometers simultaneously measure angles in up to two planes of
movement. For example, to measure wrist movements, the endblocks of the SG65 goniometer
are attached on the dorsal surface using double sided tape (type. No. T10), one end over the third
metacarpal, the other over the midline of the forearm, with the wrist in the neutral position.
The goniometer has two separate output connectors, one measures flexion/extension, the other
radial/ulnar deviation. When used to measure a single axis joint such as the knee or elbow, or
when measuring a single plane of a twin axis joint, simply connect one channel, the other
remains redundant. All twin axis SG series goniometers function the same way, the difference
being physical size.
Single Axis Goniometer F35:
Biometrics' goniometer F35 measures angles in one plane only. This smallest goniometer is
designed to measure flexion/extension of finger or toe joints.
c) Surface EMG
When a muscle contracts, electrical activity is generated within the muscle which may be
measured using electrodes placed on the surface of the skin. This electrical signal is usually in
the order of up to 3,000 micro volts and is referred to as electromyography or EMG.
Biometrics Ltd offer a technologically advanced yet cost effective range of EMG display and
data capture systems offering both full portability and real time display and analysis options.
Biometrics sensors and instrumentation are used extensively in the fields of ergonomics, sports
science and medical research where measurements of surface EMG are commonly taken for a
wide range of applications such as:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Symmetry studies during gait
Timing data in Biomechanics
Work done and fatigue studies
Work environment and tool design
Sports performance
Neuro Rehabilitation
Education
Veterinary Science
Biometrics Ltd precision bipolar, differential EMG sensors are available in two versions the SX230 has integral electrodes with a fixed electrode distance of 20mm and
the SX230FW that uses disposable electrodes and has a variable electrode distance.
e) DataLOG Accessories: Event Markers
These useful accessories allow time marks to be registered in the recorded data. The events are
marked for the duration of the time the switch is pressed. IS3 - A 1.8 meter cable with a suitable
connector at one end to connect to the DataLOG, and a hand held switch at the other.
Portable Goniometer & EMG system- Ongoing research/project work:
The Portable goniometer is being used to find the incorrect working postures of the upper arm
lower arm and wrist occupied by the workers in the industries and to suggest the correct and
comfortable working postures in order to eliminate the work musculo skeletal disorders.
The EMG system is used in finding out the muscle activity of the human being in pushing and
pulling tasks. The sensors are attached to the subjects to the appropriate muscles and the muscle
activity is recorded through the Data logger and the signals are transferred through the Bluetooth
facility to the computer system. Further the recorded signals are processed in the Biometrics
software and results interpreted for publishing in the journals.
II - ErgoKit-I Ergonomic Assessment tools:
The ErgoKit® is a comprehensive collection for accurate risk assessment in the field. As part of
an effective ergonomics program, the assessment is made before prioritizing or implementing
ergonomic improvement recommendations. With the ErgoKit®, tools one can back up the
recommendations with measurements and data to substantiate the reports.
Assessment Tools


Nikon Coolpix S35100 , 20.1Megapixel Digital Camera with 7x Wide Optical Zoom provides clear photos for explanations in reports and is capable of shooting video at a
640x480 resolution in AVI format at 30 frames per second, playable directly from the
camera's LCD screen and built-in speaker.
Google Nexus 7 Android Tablet - for use with our Pocket Ergo - Internet Based
Software that includes all the fundamental ergonomic assessment analysis tools.
Force Measurement


Scale - Stainless Steel Digital (220 lb) weighs boxes and parts for NIOSH equation
Force Gauge - Shimpo force gauges test push/pull forces for snook (Liberty Mutual)
tables (call for more force gauge options)
 Force Gauge Pull Strap & Carabiners for Pull testing
Environmental Measurement


Light Meter - Extech Digital 401027 measures ambient light levels
Sound Meter - Extech Digital 407732 Type 2 Sound Level Meter with backlit LCD
display, 1.5dB accuracy meter; measures noise levels
 Thermo-Hygrometer - Extech Digital 445580 measures humidity and temperature
 Laser or Optical Tape Measure quickly gauges distances up to 100 feet
Additional Equipment







Equipment Case - Custom-fit 22'' L x 15.5'' W x 10.5'' H hard case keeps all assessment
tools organized in one place. Foam cutouts protect delicate equipment and keep items
ready for quick visual inventory.
Digital Stopwatch - Extech 365510 records time activities for frequency and duration
Frequency Counter
All-Purpose Universal Tool/Pliers
Compass
Clip Board
Spirit level
ErgoKit – I Ongoing research/ Project work:
Research work is carried out using this ErgoKit I in the ergonomics lab. A push pull gauge is
attached to an industrial four wheeled trolley for manual material handling (fabricated in the
central workshop, Karunya University) and through the handle height adjustments for suiting up
the various subjects being tested. The objective of the work is to find the minimum push pull
forces at optimum handle height of the trolley. EMG system is used during the trials which will
reveal the muscle activity and a Polar RS100 heart rate monitor is also used to find out the heart
rate and oxygen consumption of the person/subject under testing. The data is then analyzed and
processed through biometrics and statistics software and the results or findings will be published
in the reputed journal.
Completed Project Works:
Undergraduate: 5
Post-graduate : 2
On-going:
Post-graduate: 1
International Interns: 2