Dynamic Ergonomic Risk Assessment via Time Analysis Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD and CAE systems lack integration of time estimation and ergonomics analysis for 3D-designed human work, leading to inefficient and cumbersome assessment processes that fail to provide the necessary temporal context for proper risk assessment, limiting the effectiveness of digital human modeling in analyzing ergonomic risks associated with sequences of events.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for assessing dynamic ergonomic risk that integrates time analysis with ergonomic evaluation, using natural language processing and predetermined motion time systems like MOST, to determine the time required for tasks and identify ergonomic risks, incorporating user inputs and 3D data to define parameters and calculate time estimates within a digital human modeling environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing simulation methods focus on either time analysis or ergonomic analysis separately, then the analysis process becomes simpler and more specialized, but the overall assessment efficiency decreases and the evaluation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines time analysis and ergonomic analysis into a single integrated simulation system. The system simultaneously performs both types of analysis by integrating time study methodologies with ergonomic assessment tools, allowing users to conduct comprehensive evaluations in one unified process rather than separate sequential analyses.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system is designed to perform multiple functions including time analysis, ergonomic analysis, and dynamic risk assessment within a single platform. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to handle various types of workplace assessments without requiring separate specialized tools for each analysis type.
2Measurement precision
If existing methods conduct ergonomic analysis without time context, then the ergonomic assessment can be performed quickly, but the risk assessment becomes inaccurate and incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary time analysis by automatically determining time values for work elements before conducting the ergonomic assessment. This preliminary action establishes the temporal context needed for accurate dynamic risk assessment, ensuring that time-related factors are already calculated and integrated when ergonomic risks are evaluated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous analysis by seamlessly integrating time study observations with ergonomic assessments in an uninterrupted workflow. The simulation continuously collects and processes both time data and ergonomic data simultaneously, eliminating gaps between separate analysis phases and ensuring no useful information is lost.
3Ease of operation
If manual time analysis and ergonomic analysis are performed separately, then each analysis can be conducted with focused methodology, but the overall process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges manual time analysis procedures with ergonomic assessment workflows into a single automated simulation process. By combining these operations, the system eliminates the need for users to manually perform separate analyses and then integrate results, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive assessment capabilities.
4Reliability
If comprehensive ergonomic evaluation includes time analysis, then the evaluation becomes more accurate and complete, but the complexity of the assessment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system acts as an intermediary that automatically handles the complex integration of time analysis and ergonomic analysis. It mediates between the two analysis types by automatically calculating time values, performing ergonomic assessments, and synthesizing results into a unified dynamic risk assessment, thereby maintaining evaluation reliability without exposing users to the underlying complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide functionality to assess dynamic ergonomic risk. One such example embodiment receives process planning data for an operator performing a task. Based on the received process planning data, parameters for a time analysis are defined and a time analysis of the operator performing the task is performed using the defined parameters. In turn, static ergonomic risk is determined based on the received process planning data. Then, an indication of dynamic ergonomic risk is provided based on (i) results of performing the time analysis and (ii) the determined static ergonomic risk.