Track: Modeling and Simulation

Abstract

Human Factors Researchers have made great advances to design systems that are tailored to user needs. Strategies for effective design must be utilized early in product development cycle to reassure the system is effective, efficient, and easy to use. The objective of this research is to investigate human performance of a current market patient transfer device (PTD) to collaborate with designers to determine suitable operating parameters for designing a new fluid powered PTD. Unfortunately, the functions of the current devices are antiquated and insufficient for user and patient needs. Furthermore, many devices lack the functionality to reduce user workload. Studies have shown that nursing personnel has the highest back-related worker compensation claims with more than 10% resulting from patient transfers. Currently The Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP) is conducting research focused on designing a fluid powered PTD. Digital human models (DHM) in Jack® will be developed to simulate humans with different weight percentiles and gender to represent caregivers transferring patients. Lower-back forces and fatigue analysis was performed to measure differences between the current PTD and the fluid Power PTD. Findings from this research will provide design suggestions to fluid powered PTD developers and also improve caretaker’s performance.