Research & Design Introduction:
Our team has been investigating the design and functionality of ergonomic workstations taking into account the many varying circumstances concerned back weight loading and zero stress posture positions. Utilising the latest in posture analysis software, we have developed the 'three point contact system' which our research shows effectively eliminates all poor posture related injuries if adhered to daily. The chin has to be parallel to the ground, the centre of the monitor has to be at least an inch above eye level height (it forces the chin upwards and good posture), nose has to be perpendicular to the ground (saggital plane).
With the HiLo System it all starts at the head, the head is the centre of gravity and the musculature of the back is in a correct lordotic curvature position. The chair also allows the lordotic curvature to take it's natural position. At birth we are born with two kyphotic curvatures, the mid back and pelvic region. Upon growth development the looking up process of the baby creates the lordotic curvature in the neck, then when crawling process creates the lumbar lordotic curvature, hence the table has been designed to help preserve these congenital and developed curvatures of the spine. This is the reason why the table creates zero postural stress. The zero postural stress is not only on the spine, but the supporting structures, i.e. ligamentos and muscular systems.
Research & Design of the Hi Lo Monitor Stand:
The Hilo monitor stand is very much an integral part to the HiLo table but at the same time the HiLo monitor stand has the ability to stand alone.
Objective of the HiLo monitor stand:
The main objective is for the HiLo monitor stand to be fully automotive and personalized assisting in reducing musculoskeletal injuries, fatigue, and stress while at the same time creating a zero postural stress environment. The HiLo monitor stand is designed with the objective of maintaining the necks lordotic curvature while resting the head on the spine with the jaw line parallel and the nose perpendicular to the ground. This will create an environment whereby there is a reduction in the amount of stress being transmitted to the smaller intrinsic muscles of the neck and atlanto-occipital junction. Therefore whether the HiLo monitor stand is being used in conjunction with the HiLo table or on its own, the user's head and neck will be orientated in a neutral position.
Muscular Anatomy on the Neck:
There are five layers of muscles in the neck with the bigger, bulkier muscles positioned superficially and having multiple vertebrae attachments while the smaller intrinsic muscles are closer to the spine and base of the head and having two vertebrae attachments. Due to the size of the various layered muscles, the smallest muscle tends to fatigue first and in doing so transfers the stress and strain to the larger muscle groups which in the end cause the superficial muscles to become hypertonic and hypersensitive. These muscles are designed to create a synchronized movement between the head and neck without any restrictions and minimal effort. When not performing a required movement, their function is to hold the head and neck in a neutral and stress free position. However, if the head is tilted forward, off the midline, rotated either left or right and the neck is in a flexed position, this will create a muscular contraction in order to keep the head and neck in these positions for any length of time. In doing so this creates a very stressful and tense situation on the muscles which will inevitably cause the muscles to fatigue, becoming stressed and will increase the possibility of injury.
Research & Design of the Hi Lo Workstation:
Purpose of this table is to create a sense of well being through a balanced anatomically correct posture. The objective of designing the Hi Lo table was to comply with all the guidelines set out by the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive in their Health and Safety Manual to create a user friendly work environment and reduce the possible onset of musculoskeletal injuries, fatigue and stress to the employee. The fully automotive and personalized Hi Lo table has all the components to create zero postural stress on the user.
Wrist Anatomy:
There are two rows of four carpal bones in the wrist with all working in synergy on flexion, extension, supination, pronatin, medial and lateral flexion. These bones are aligned in an arch formation creating a carpal tunnel and it is in this tunnel that a vein, artery and nerve pass through. The carpal bones are attached together by intra ligamentous structures while there in a thin muscle called the retinaculum holding the three structures within the carpal tunnel.
Research & Design of the Hi Lo Chair
Basic Human Anatomy:
The pelvic girdle has four defined loints where movement is actuated. There is the ilio-ilium (pubic symphysis), sacro-iliac (2) and the lumbo-sacral joints. Although it is not essential for all these junctions to move simultaneously to create movement, all is needed is for one of these joints to create a rotation in any direction in the pelvic girdle.
Biomechanics:
When sitting the sacro-iliac joints move backwards and downwards causing the lumbo-sacral joints to intiate movement which will cause the lumber spine to flatten out, causing a loss of the lumbar lordotic curvature. In flattening out, the lumbo-sacral motor units open up, lengthening the capsular ligaments while increasing the intervertebral disc pressure forcing thew fluid inside the disc to translocate backwards towards the spinal canal, spinal cord and into the intervertebral foramen from which the lumbar nerves exit. Over a prolonged period of sitting this pressure can be enough to initiate an irritation to the soft tissue structures aformentioned which over time can create discomfort of some kind.
HiLo Chair Design:
Having taken into account all the literature regarding the human anatomy and biomechanical movements of the ilio-sacro-lumbar spine, an 11 to 15 degree wedging of high density memory foam has been inserted into the seated area of the chair. The wedging is placed with the sloping surface to the front of the chair. Also inserted into the wedging is a semi circle recess at the back to remove any pressure on the coccyx which will reduce the pressure being transmitted up the spine. This wedging will help reduce the amount of backward and downward rotation in the pelvic girdle while helping maintain the lumbar lordotic curvature re fig 1. In creating this zreo postural stress in the pelvic-lumbar region, it will also reduce the stresses on all ligamentous, muscular and intervertebral discs which will help reduce the degree of discomfort experienced when seated for any length of time behind the HiLo table.
Research & Design of the Hi Lo Software:
Software Features :
• Microbreaks - we have discovered that 5 minute micro-breaks every hour improve short and long-term productivity.
• Automations - elimate ergonomically bad personal habits by using the tables built in profile settings
Software Design:
The Software has been designed solely for the use and operation of the HiLo workstation, HiLo monitor stand and HiLo chair. The HiLo software provides the following:
1) A fully automotive workstation while creating a user friendly environment while in keeping with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Occupation Safety and Health (HSE) guidelines.
2) A command to the controller of the two actuators to move the table, monitor, and chair heights either up or down depending on the user of the workstation.
3) A system whereby more frequent, less duration micro-breaks are able to be taken as stated in the HSE (2002) guidelines.
4) An integrated routine of simple, easy to use but specialized exercises for the user to help reduce possible musculoskeletal, fatigue and stress related problems.
5) A means of auditing micro-breaks taken which will be beneficial for OSH and the employer.
6) A means of creating a source of communication between:
a) the user and the HiLo service center
b) HiLo service center and the HiLo service provider
c) HiLo service provider and user.
These are all a simple and an easy way for the user to communicate with the workstation and in doing so feel that they have an input into creating a friendlier working environment.
7) An integral feedback and help system to make the user feel they have an important role to play whilst in their working environment.
Partners in Design
• Dr Dean Kenny
• Erik Nielsen (CAD vision)
• Gary Benner – Software Development
• Woodbenders - Manufacturing
• Garth – Automation and Control System |
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