universiti teknikal malaysia...

24
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary School Furniture Design Thesis submitted in accordance with the partial requirements of the Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka for the Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering (Manufacturing Process) By SITI NORSURAYA BINTI HUSSAIN F acuity of Manufacturing Engineering May2007 © Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Upload: others

Post on 26-Dec-2019

22 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA

Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary School Furniture Design

Thesis submitted in accordance with the partial requirements of the

Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka for the Bachelor of Manufacturing

Engineering (Manufacturing Process)

By

SITI NORSURA YA BINTI HUSSAIN

F acuity of Manufacturing Engineering

May2007

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 2: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

UTeM Library (Pind.l/2007)

UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA

BORANG PENGESAHAN STATUS TESIS*

JUDUL: DEVELOPMENT OF ANTHROPOMETRY DATABASE FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOL FURNITURE DESIGN

SESl PENGAJlAN: JUN 2004 - MEl 2007

Say a SITI NORSURA YA BINTI HUSSAIN

mengaku membenarkan tesis (PSM/Sarjana/Doktor Falsafah) ini disimpan di Perpustakaan Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) dengan syarat-syarat kegunaan seperti berikut:

1. Tesis adalah hak milik Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka. 2. Perpustakaan Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka dibenarkan membuat salinan

untuk tujuan pengajian sahaja. 3. Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan tesis ini sebagai bahan pertukaran

antara institusi pengajian tinggi. 4. **Sila tandakan (..J)

D SULIT

D TERHAD

[I) TIDAK TERHAD

(Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah keselamatan atau kepentingan Malaysia yang termaktub di dalam AKT A RAHSlA RASMI 19n)

(Mengandungi maklumat TERHAD yang telah ditentukan oleh organisasi/badan di mana penyelidikan dijalankan)

Disahkan oleh:

(l~DAif-ANGAN PENULIS) (TANDATANGAN PENYELIA)

Alamat Tetap: 2-401 Apartment Dahlia B, Jalan 3/76, Bandar Baru Selayang, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor.

Tarikh: 17 MEl 2007

Cop Rasmi: NOR AKRAMIH BIN MOHAMAD Pensyar~h

Tarikh:

Fakultl Kejuruteraan Pembtlitan Universlti Tekn1kil Malaysia Melaka Karung Berkunci 1200, Ayer Keroh

7545Q Melaka

, ~ ;~ /'lfi'> +

• Tesis dimaksudkan sebagai tesis bagi ljazah Doktor Fatsafah dan Sarjana secara penyetidikan, atau disertasi bagi pengajian secara kerja kursus dan penyelidikan, atau Laporan Projek Sarjana Muda (PSM) •• Jika tesis ini SULIT atau TERHAD, sila lampirkan surat daripada pihak berkuasa/organisasi berkenaan dell$lan menvatakan sekati sebab dan temooh tesis ini perlu diketaskan seba~ai SULIT atau TERHAD.

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 3: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

APPROVAL

This thesis submitted to the senate ofUTeM and has been accepted as partial fulfilment

of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Manufacturing

(Manufacturing Process). The members of the supervisory committee are as follow:

Supervisor

(Official Stamp & Date) NOR AKRAMIN BIN MOHAMAD

Pensyarall Fakulll Kejuruteraan Pembuatan

Umverslb Tekn1kil Mataysaa J.lelalr.e Karung 8tr'Auna 1200, Ayef Ke!oh

7~ ,.IIQ t r-1 sl~:::r

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 4: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

DECLARATION

I hereby, declare this thesis entitled "Performance Studies ofDevelopment of

Anthropometry Database for the Primary School Furniture Design" is the result of my

own research except as cited in the references .

Signature

Author' s Name

Date

.... ~~· ·· · · · · · ·· · ··· ·· ······ · ·· · · ·· ···· S~~~~~YA BINTI HUSSAIN

17TH MAY 2007

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 5: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

ABSTRACT

This research discuss the initial efforts to build an anthropometric database for

Malaysian population as a guide and reference on designing the furniture school for

manufacturer beside that reducing the rate of musculoskeletal problem of the student

school. For research title 'Development of Anthropometry Database for Malaysian

Population' . Here, the problem statements and objectives thus research have been

identified. Beside that, scope, importance of the study along with the online of the study

have been reviewed and discussed. For the literature review information in reference

books and internet, and from journal for histories, definitions, terminology and

measuring conventions, measurement techniques. Data anthropometric surveys have

been conducted and published on various populations, especially to primary school

student. The results of the research carried out on the data collection by 25 part body.

Then, to transfer the data collection to SPSS software for analyzed the result The

statistical variables such as percentiles mean and standard variation are used to present

and describe the data

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 6: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. I would like to take

this opportunity to express my utmost gratitude to the people who have directly or

indirectly involved in this thesis.

Special thanks go to my supervisor, Mr. Nor Akramin Bin Mohamad for he

excellent supervision, invaluable guidance, advice, trust, constant help, support,

encouragement as well as assistance towards me throughout this project. He also always

gives me advice and supports during studying and finishing this proposal until finish the

thesis.

Finally, but definitely not the least, my message of thanks goes my family

members for providing endless encouragement and inspiration to carry out this thesis to

the best of my ability. As such, I would also like to extend my appreciation for my

friends and course mate for the help out and constructive comments during the

accomplishment of this thesis.

11

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 7: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract ...................... . ........ .. ...................................................... .i

Acknowledgement ........................... . ..... ......... .... .. ........ .. . . . . ... . . .. ... ... ii

Table of Content ..... . .......................................... . .. ..... .... .... . .......... ... iii

List of Tables ..................... .... ............. .... ... .. ..... . .. ........ ... ........... .... . v

List of Figures ........ . .......................... . ... . ..... .. ......... . ........ .. ....... . .. ... .iv

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Project .......... ...... . . .. ........ .. ... .... ......... ... . ..... .. .......... 1

I .2 Problem Statement .............................. . ....... . ... ... . .. . .... .. .......... ........ 2

I .3 Objectives Project ........................................... . .... .. . . ... ........ . .. ... .... 2

1.4 Scope of Project . ........ . ....................... . . . .. .. . ..................... . .... . ... .... 3

1.5 Importance of the Project .. .. .... . ..... . .. .......... . .......... .. . . .................. ... . .3

1.6 Outline of the Thesis .... ............ ..... ..... ...... ..... .. .. . .. .. ... . .............. . . . . . 3

2.0 LITERATURES REVIEW

2.1 Introduction ... ........... . ........... . . .... ..... . ... . .... . .. .. . ... .... ... . ................. 5

2. I. I Sitting Position . ...................................... . ........ . .... ......... . ... . .. 6

2.1.2 School Furniture ................................... . .. . . . . .. .. . . . .... . .... . .. . .... .. 7

2.2 Ergonomic and Anthropometry ... . .. . .. .................. .. .. .... . .. ......... . ... .. .... 1 0

2.2.1 Definition of Ergonomic ........ . ......... . . .... . . . .. . ..... . ...................... 1 0

2.2.2 Definition of Anthropometry ....... .. ................ . .. . ........ .. . ............. 1 0

2.3 Importance of Anthropometric Database ... .............. .. ........ ... . ..... ....... . .. 11

2.4 Type ofEquipments ........ .... ......... . . .. .... ...... ........... . ......... .. . . . .... . .... I3

2.4.1 Equipments for Static Anthropometry ............ ... ............................ 13

2.4.2 Equipments for Dynamic Anthropometry .......... ... . .. . ...... . .. . ............ 14

lll

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 8: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

2.5 Measurement Techniques ......... ... ........................................... .... . .... 14

2.5.1 Classical Measuring Techniques ........................... . ..... .. .... ..... . ... .. 14

2.5.2 New Measuring Techniques .......... . . . .... ....... . .. . ... ........ . .. . .. . . .... . . . 16

2.6 Sample size of the Data Collection .. ... . . ... ....... . . ...... . ..... ... ..... . . ............. 17

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction . ......... . . .... . .................................. . ......................... .. .. 18

3.2 Design of the Methodology ............ .. .... .. .................. ......... ... ... .. ... .. ... 18

3.3 Subjects .......... . . .. ..... .. ... .. ............... . .............. ..... .. ... . . . ...... ......... .. 21

3.4 Range of Dimensions Measured .. . .... .. ... ... . ...................... . .... .. .. . ... .. . . . . 22

3.5 Equipments for Measurements .. . ......... ... .... . ..... . . ........... . .. ... .. . .... . .. .. ... 25

3.6 Data Collection Table . .. .. . . .. .. ... . .. .. .. .... .. . . .................................. ...... 26

3. 7 Data Calculation ... ............................................... ... . .... . .... . ... ... . .... 28

3.8 Pilot Study . . ................................ . ... . ......... . ..... . .. . . . . .. .... . . . . .. .. . ..... . 29

3.9 Statistical Analysis . . . .... .... . .... ... . . . .. ... . . .. ... ... .. .. .... . ........... . ....... ...... . 29

4.0 DATA COLLECilON

4.1 Introduction ...... . .. ....... .. ... .... ............. ....................... . .. ...... . ..... .. ... 31

4.2 Data Collected ................... . ........... .. ..... .... . . . ............... . .... . . . . . .. . . . .. . 31

5.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

5.1 Introduction ... .... . .... . ... ... .... .. . . ................... .... .. . .. . . ........... . .... . . . .. . .. 36

5.2 Results ............. ... . ... . .. . .... . ...... . .. . .. ... ... . ...... . .. ... . .. . .. .. .... . .... .. . .... .. . 36

5.3 Mean, Standard Deviation and Percentile .......... ...... ...... ........... .............. 38

6.0 CONCLUSION

6.1 Conclusion ...................... .. ..... . ..... . ............... ... .... ... .. ... .. . ... . . . .. . . ... 48

7.0 RECOMMENDATION FOR FURTHER WORK

7.1 Recommendation for Further work .... . .... .. . .. .. ....... .. .. . . . ... . . .......... . ........ 50

IV

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 9: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

REFERENCES ................................................................................. _ .. 51

APPENDIX A

APPENDIXB

APPENDIXC

v

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 10: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

LIST OF TABLES

3.1 Totally size of sample for every school 21

3.2 Static Anthropometric Dimensions 22

3.3 Data Collection Table 27

4.1 Data Collection (Forward Functional Reach) 32

4.2 Data Statistics Analysis 35

5.1 Percentile, mean and standard deviation for anthropometric of 37

the age 7 until 12 years old population (n=120)

5.2 Percentile, mean and standard deviation for anthropometric of 38

the male population (n=70), values in em

5.3 Percentile, mean and standard deviation for anthropometric of 39

the male population (n=70), values in em

5.4 Percentile, mean and standard deviation for anthropometric of 40

the age 10 years old population (n=70), values in em

5.5 Comparison of mean values in em for 24 anthropometric 41

dimensions for different student primary school male and

female population

5.6 Mean value in em for 24 anthropometric dimension from 42

different student primary school male and female of the age 9

years old population

5.7 Mean value in em for 8 anthropometric dimension from 43

different student primary school male of the age 10 years old

population

5.8 Mean value m em for 8 anthropometric dimension from 44

different student primary school female of the age 10 years old

population

Vl

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 11: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

5.9 Comparison data collection with measures dimensional 47

furniture at school

Vll

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 12: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

LIST OF FIGURES

2.1 User center Design: The furniture the school children and the task 9

(Karvonen et al. 1962, Ox ford 1966)

2.2 Anthropometric Measuring Instruments 15

3.1 Research Methodology Flow Chart 20

3.2 Anthropometric Measures for Standing and Seating (Source: Eastman 24

Kodak Company, 1986. Ergonomic Design for people at work, Vol. 1

New York Van Nostrand Reinhold)

3.3 Anthropometric Measuring Instruments 25

4.1 Measures Primary School Furniture 34

4.2 Dimensional of Primary School Furniture 34

4.3 Histogram and Normal Curve for the analyzed data 35

5.1 Histogram. Mean, Standard Deviation and Percentile 35

viii

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 13: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

CHAPTER!

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Generally, anthropometry is study of measurement of human dimension, which

refers to the measurement of living human individuals for the purposes of understanding

human physical variation (Wikipedia). Anthropometry is very useful for design product

guideline for heights, clearance, grips, and reaches of workplace and equipment.

Anthropometric data are used to develop design guidelines for heights,

clearances, grips and reaches of workplaces and equipments for the purpose of

accommodating the body dimensions of the potential workforce. Example, the

dimensions of workstations for standing or seated work, production machinery, and hand

tools. The workforce includes men and women who are tall or short, large or small,

strong or weak, as well as those who are physically handicapped or have health

conditions that limit their physical capacity.

Anthropometric data are also applied in the design of consumer products such as

clothes, automobiles, bicycles, furniture, hand tools and other. This design requirement

is to select and use the most appropriate anthropometric database in design. Grieve and

Pheasant (1982)

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 14: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The application ergonomic principles in the workplace and products are very

important to the industries. These examinations, majority the furniture school having at

Malaysian unsuitable for students. For the information, maybe the students unsuitable

with furniture ready to be used along time study. This problem, musculosketal pains

effect always at the workers industries. The location of the data collection in area Ayer

Keroh, Melaka.

This research will gathers anthropometry data on specific to primary school and

will compare the data with the anthropometry data if possible. From the data will be

developed, it will be used as a reference to produce a specific school furniture dimension

for Malaysian student.

1.3 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this research are such as:

I. To understand ergonomic principles especially in anthropometry for design

furniture.

2. To measure the anthropometry data student from primary school.

3. To develop of anthropometry database related to primary school between

ages 7 until 12 years old.

2

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 15: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

1.4 THE SCOPE

This research will conduct the data collection for specific measurement ofhuman

body parts. The body parts chosen will be related with student's primary school around

age 7 untill2 years old. The furniture design of base on standard data based. This thesis

will be used in the SPSS software. From the software can analyzed to get the calculation

required normal distribution, mean, median and etc. This research it will provide a

sample of data that can be a reference to the school furniture manufacturer.

1.5 IMPORTANCE OF THE THESIS

For this thesis, it is important to achieve the objective based on the problems

occurred at uncomfortable for furniture school. Based on this database an ideal standard

database available will provide a sample of data that can be a reference to the school

furniture manufacturer.

1.6 OUTLINE OF THE THESIS

This research will be divided to seven chapters for complete. The first chapter is

mainly about the introduction of the research, objectives, scope of study and problem

statement.

For second chapter the literature reviews. This part based on the reference to

journals, books, website, etc. It will also discuss the method on how to the research will

be done based on the researches.

3

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 16: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

The third chapter is the methodology. This chapter will be discussing about the

review of the research methodology. All relevant experimenta4 descriptive, theoretical

and analytical techniques used in the research should be outlined in this chapter. This

chapter also discussing the method of the choosing and the best the method selection ..

Then, next chapter will be discussed briefly the data collection. This will include

the setup for the data collection, the data collection table and the example of the data

which had been taken.

The last chapter would be the summary and conclusion of the thesis. This

includes the summary of the entire work, containing the methods, results, major

conclusion as well as recommendations arising from the work.

4

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 17: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

2.1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Ergonomics in work environment has gained high attention from researchers

over recent decades. One main concern is that equipment should be designed according

to principles of anthropometry, biomechanics and hygiene should help to reduce

accidents and overuse syndromes in order to promote productivity (Grieco, 1986).

Although school environment represents the work environment for billions of children,

it has not attracted the proper attention from ergonomic.

Uncomfortable postures could be painful due to the prolonged periods children

spend at school (AagaardHansen and Storr-Paulsen, 1995: Murphy et al., 2004) and

several researchers have reported posture-related syndromes in students (Knight and

Noyes, 1999: Milanese and Grimmer, 2004: Troussier et al., 1999). Moreover, it is

possible that children may maintain those postural behaviors for the rest of their lives

(Cardon et al., 2004: Floyd and Ward, 1969).

Many authors have tried to establish theoretical recommendation for the

principles that relate school furniture design to children' s anthropometry and some have

also attempted to define the appropriate dimensions for school furniture based on

anthropometric measurements. In Iran (Mououdi and Choobineh, 1997), Korea (Jeong

5

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 18: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

and Park, 1990), Seoul and Pousan (Cho, 1994), there have been studies related to

school furniture design that have investigated differences in body dimensions

due to age and gender. In some countries there were attempts to design desk and chair

based on anthropometric data (Evans et al., 1988: Hibaru and Watanabe, 1994; Hira,

1980; Noro and Fujita, 1994: Oxford, 1%9; Shih et al., 1966) studied the mismatch

between furniture and student's dimensions by measuring anthropometric characteristics

of American children and the dimensions of their classroom's desk and chairs.

Children spend a large part of their school days in the classroom. In every

society, school furniture is used extensively by children during what is a vital period of

human physical development. Storr-Paulsen and Aagaard-Hensen, 1994 noted that 8 and

9 year olds were expected to sit for more than 60 min in any 90 min period, while

Dillon, 1976 observed that nursery school children were seated for 37.2% of their time

in the classroom through to 78.7% for senior school pupils aged 13 to 16 years. Since

school aged children might spend 30% of their waking hours at school (Linton, 1994),

the amount of time they are seated is considerable. As well as varying across the age

range, the amount of time children are required to remain seated in the classroom also

varies from country to country and according to pedagogic fashion.

2.1.1 SITTING POSITION

The detrimental effects of improper classroom furniture on the spine have been

known for a long time (Zacharkow, 1988). The dynamics of sitting can best be

understood by studying the mechanics of both the relevant body parts and the external

support system involved. 75% of the total body weight is supported by only 4 inch2 (26

cm2) of surface when sitting. This small area is under the ischial tuberosities of the

pelvis. The heavy load concentrated in this area results in high compressive stresses

estimated at 85-1 00 pounds per square inch (Tichauer 1978). Structurally, the

6

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 19: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

tuberosities from a two-point support system which is inherently unstable, since the

center of gravity of a seated person' s body above the seat may not be directly over the

tuberosities. Therefore, the seats alone is insufficient for stabilization, and the use of the

legs, feet, and back in contact with other surfaces, as well as muscular forces, are

necessary to produce equilibrium (Branton, 1969). Leg support is also critical for

distributing and reducing buttock and thigh loads. Feet need to rest firmly on the floor or

foot support so that the lower leg weight is not supported by the front part of the thighs

resting on the seat (Chaffin and Anderson, 1991). If the major weight is to be placed on

the ischial tuberosities and the proximal half of the posterior thighs, seat support should

occur under and anterior to the ischial tuberosities. To maintain the weight bearing over

and anterior to the ischial tuberosities, sacral and pelvis support are needed which

prevent or reduce backward rotation of the pelvis and subsequent lumbar kyphosis, also

known as posterior curve. Lumbar lordosis, the normal anterior curve of the lumbar

vertebrae, helps to transfer some of the weight over the posterior thighs (Drummond,

Narechania, Rosenthal et al. 1982).

2.1.2 SCHOOL FURNITURE

School furniture design

When designing products the criteria that defines a successful match between the

products and users are commonly important include the followings (Pheasant, 1998):

Functional Efficiency

n Easeofuse

ru Comfort

IV Health and safety

v Quality of working life

7

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 20: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

In the case of designing school furniture where sitting constitutes a considerable time in

the school (Dillon, 1976 and Linton et al. , 1994) seat becomes important in term of

comfort. All seats are uncomfortable in the long run, but some seats become

uncomfortable rapidly than others, and in any particular seat, some people will be

more uncomfortable than others. Comfort may also be influenced by the task or activity

that the user is engaged in at that time. In other word comfort will depend upon the

interaction of seats characteristics, user' s characteristics and task characteristics

(Pheasant, 1998).1t is the principle user-centered design. To achieve the best possible

match between the school furniture and children, the furniture should be designed in

context of the (leaning) task and physical and mental characteristics of school children.

8

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 21: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

The furniture characteristics:

• Furniture dimension • Furniture angle • Furniture profile • upholstery

The task characteristics: • Duration • Visual demand • Mental demands • Physical demand

The school children characteristics:

• Body dimension • Body aches & pain • Circulation • State of mind

Figure 2.1: User center design: The furniture, the school children and the task

(Karvonen et al. 1962, Ox ford 1966)

9

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 22: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

2.2 ERGONOMICS AND ANTHROPOMETRY

2.2.1 DEFINITION OF ERGONOMICS

"Ergonomics is defined as the design of the workplace, equipment,

machine, tool, product, environment and system, taking into consideration the

human' s physical, physiological, biomechanical, and psychological capabilities,

and optimizing the effectiveness and productivity of work systems while

assuring the safety, health, and wellbeing of the workers. In general, the aim in

ergonomics is to fit the task to the individual, not the individual to the task.

(Jeffrey E. Fernandez)

Karl Kroemer, Henrike kroemer, Katrin Kroemer-Elbert (2001) state that

the ergonomic is the application of scientific principles, methods and data drawn

from a variety of disciplines to the developments of engineering systems in

which people play a significant role.

2.2.2 DEFINITION OF ANTHROPOMETRY

Anthropometry means measurement of the human body. It is derived

from the Greekworks anthropos (man) and metron (measure). Anthropometric

data are used in ergonomics to specify the physical dimensions of workplaces

equipment, furniture and clothing so as to fit the task to the man (Grandjean,

1980) and to ensure that physical mismatches between the dimension of

equipment and product and the corresponding user dimensions are avoided

(R.S.Bridger).

10

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 23: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

Anthropometry may be defined as the measurement of human beings.

Factors which affect anthropometric measurements include gender differences,

ethic differences, growth and development, secular tre~ ageing, social class and

occupation and clothing and personal equipment (Jeffrey E. Fernandez).

2.3 IMPORTANCE OF ANTHROPOMETRIC DATABASE

Data contained in anthropometric tables provide critical information with which

designers can design workplaces and products. Use of the data, however, requires a

through analysis of the design problem. The following procedure provides a systematic

approach for the use of anthropometric data in design:-

Determine the user population (the intended user). People of different age

groups have different physical characteristics and requirements. Other

factors that must also be considered include gender, race, and ethnic

groups; military or civilian populations.

u Determine the relevant body dimension. To design a workplace or a

products the relevant or related body dimensions must be determine to

maximized their function and effectiveness

iii Determine the percentage of the population to be accommodated.

Accommodation of 1 00 percent of the population is not practical or

desirable in many design situations because of various financial,

economical and design constraints.

11

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Page 24: UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKAeprints.utem.edu.my/8394/1/Development_Of_Anthropometry...UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA Development of Anthropometry Database for the Primary

IV Determine the percentile value of the selected anthropometric dimension.

The percentage of the population to be accommodated determines the

percentile value of the relevant anthropometric dimension to be used in

design. However designers need to be clear whether they are designing a

lower or an upper limit for the physical dimensions of the system or

device.

v Make necessary design modifications to the data from the anthropometric

tables. Most anthropometric measures are taken with nude or nearly nude

persons, a method that helps standardize measurements but does not

reflect real-life situations. Clothing can change body size considerably.

Another important reason for data adjustment is that most anthropometric

data are obtained with persons standing erect or sitting erect. These

considerations are critical for designing.

v1 Use mock- ups or simulators to test the design .. Designers often need to

evaluate whether the design meets the requirements by building mock­

ups or simulators with representative users carrying out simulated tasks.

This step is important because various body dimensions are measured

separately in a standardized anthropometric survey, but there may exist

complicated interactions between the various body dimensions in

performing a job. Mock-ups can help reveal potential interactions and

help designers make necessary corrections to their preliminary design. A

limitation of mock-ups is often encountered because the available human

users for evaluation may not span the anthropometric range of potential

users. This limitation points again to the potential advantages of

anthropometric models, where such users can be simulated.

12

© Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka