10. Engineering Anthropometry

Anthropometry What is it? Study of human body dimensions, inclusions of data on human body dimensions in the engineering process How is it used in Ergonomics? Workplace, equipment, tool, and product design Types of anthropometric data Segment lengths Segment mass, volume, weight, density Range of motion Strength capabilities What personal factors affect these dimensions? Age—these typically increase through to the 20’s, then begin decrease in early to mid adulthood (~30) Sex/gender—males tend to have larger dimensions Ethnic backgrounds—variations due to commonalities in a culture Occupation—the job task requirements may increase some of the dimensions (strength, masses, circumferences, etc.) and other may decrease these dimensions (due to lack of use)

Measurement Positions and Devices Standing upright naturally Standing upright erect Seated erect Lying supine Static measures—measures taken when body is in a fixed position (most common) Dynamic measures—taken during physical activity (reduced from loadings, workplace restrictions, clothing restrictions, etc.)—more representative but harder to collect Devices Anthropometers Calipers Measuring tapes

Anthropometry Design Rules Use data for the primary user group Design for universal operability Reach distances, clearances, etc. Design to accommodate a large range of users (90-95% of the population) If can’t make the “product” adjustable, then provide some other way to accommodate workers of different proportions When do we design for the extremes? Doorways Escape hatches Distance to control buttons Force requirements

Anthropometry Procedure Determine the applicable body parts Determine the user population Determine the percentile to accommodate Calculate the appropriate dimension(s) Consider: heels, clothing, gloves, helmets, coats, etc. Determine the range of adjustability