Title: Multi-dimensional digital human models for ergonomic analysis based on natural data representations

Authors: Niels C.C.M. Moes

Addresses: Department of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands

Abstract: Digital human models are often used for ergonomic analysis of product designs, before physical prototypes are available. However, existing digital human models cannot be used to simultaneously: 1) consider the tissue loads and the physiological effects of the tissue loads; 2) optimise the product properties. This paper develops multi-dimensional digital human models for ergonomic analysis based on natural data representations, which include anatomy, morphology, behaviour, physiology, tissue, and posture data representations. The results show that the multi-dimensional digital human models can be used to: 1) accelerate the design process; 2) assess mechanical and physiological loads inside the body and in the contact area between the body and the product; 3) optimise the quality of the product; 4) reduce the number of user trials needed to create the product.

Keywords: human modelling; ergonomics; product design; design process; digital human models; DHM; multi-dimensional modelling; tissue loads; physiological effects; anatomy; morphology; behaviour; physiology; posture; data representation; mechanical loads; product quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDH.2015.067136

International Journal of the Digital Human, 2015 Vol.1 No.1, pp.72 - 80

Published online: 27 Jan 2015 *