Recent applications of a computer based modelling system for biomechanical interactions

We discuss developments in our previously reported system for the modelling of the biomechanical interaction between people and products. The mass properties of the artefact are obtained and used to construct a computer model which includes both an android modelling the user and the product. This system developed as part of of a continuing collaboration, initially focussed on design methodologies in rehabilitation engineering. A description of the techniques used is given in our paper and related to ergonomics and occupational biomechanics after validating the approach in a pilot study we subsequently proposed to include a wider range of consumer products while continuing the work on rehabilitation engineering. Examples from case studies are investigated and used to refine the technique. These progressed from a heavy concrete breaker through to the design of domestic electrical; appliances, in the latter work although the loadings are not excessive in general use there are situations, especially those involving specific users such as elderly people, in which the design of the product may be inappropriate In each case we construct a model from the anthropometric data and refine the model where necessary to take into account special constraints imposed on the user. Recent results together with refinements to our technique are discussed.