1. 10. Engineering Anthropometry

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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