Customer need/challenge:
ANDILOG collaborated with the automobile industries to provide a force measuring solution which is able to evaluate the workplace conditions, in order to identify the factors at the workstation that contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The goal was to evaluate the following risk factors: Force of movements, work postures & movements, repetition, detection of applying impropriate pressure or lifting excessive weight.
The achievement of this job hazard analysis and control process led to an ergonomics program which renovated work process and improved work tools.
ANDILOG Solution:
In order to evaluate the applied force by the workers during their daily routines, the ergonomist uses the advanced force gauge CENTOR TOUCH STAR combined with its back handle and grips (hook, compression platen,…). The force gauge is part of the worker’s movement like an extension of his hand.
The CENTOR TOUCH STAR is displaying in real time the applied force, the curve of the force during the all manufacturing process and the desired calculations if required (breaking force, contact force, average force, etc.). And in order to record several testing sequences, the force gauge can be united with the USB data recorder DATASTICK II which can save all the measurements.
Results:
Thanks to the USB data recorder which saved all the measurements collected in the workshop, the ergonomists and engineers determine specific force needed to properly perform the assembly process and can identify the task that required excessive force or repetitive movements. This evaluation leads to the development of proper manufacturing tools, an optimization of the assembly process, and change in the design of assembled components.
ANDILOG products:
ANDILOG has developed a product range, called ERGOKIT, for the determination of the actuation force. Each model includes a force gauge and a dedicated set of fixtures. Three models are available:
- ERGOKIT FIRST - meets the needs of simple tests of ergonomics with a display of the current value or the maximum tension or compression applied force
- ERGOKIT EASY – offers additional features which includes a PASS/FAIL analysis with a visual and noise alarm, and an internal memory of 100 latest maximum applied force
- ERGOKIT STAR – the most advanced solution with the live graphing feature, the automatic calculation, capability to record 2000 values and compatibility with the USB data recorder DATASTICK II
How it works:
- A handle is fixed to the back of the force gauge
- According to the sequence to test, a fixture is mounted between the force gauge and the job being tested.
- Physical requirement to complete the job and force applied by the operator, through the back handle, is measured by the force gauge. Data displayed in real time shows the force profile as the load is applied.
- The test engineer continues to apply force manual until the job is completed.
Our key added value:
Our added value has been underlined by our customer by our capacity to coordinate approaches and method effectively. We have been able to react and answer quickly to the needs of providing a full mobile and advanced device. The main advantages of our measuring solutions are:
- Live graphing: force vs time
- Large memory
- Automatic pre-defined calculation (break point, 1st peak, average, etc.)
- Data (curves and calculations) is saved automatically or semi-automatically depending of the chosen setting
- Possibility to rename directory to match your fabrication lot’s name
ANDILOG's force gauges are specifically tailored towards quality assurance and research, for further information please contact ANDILOG’s Team.