Design of 3DOF Footrest to Increase Comfort of Computer Workstation

Abstract:

In recent years computer has become a tool that cannot be separated from our life. As long as we are working on computers, the comfort of the workstation become important since improper position leads to repetitive strain injuries. In this research avoiding discomfort is approached by making a workstation capable of changing working positions. So, a new workstation concept was designed to create a comfortable computer work experience in which a user can work in different working position at a single workstation. In this paper the design of the footrest and its effect in comfort of workstation is discussed. The footrest had 3 degrees of freedom and its positions were controlled by three linear actuators. Evaluation results in four different working positions showed that flexible footrest has a great impact on the comfort of seated computer work. It increased comfort in thigh, leg and foot relative to a standard workstation without footrest.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 704)
• Pages: 113-117
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.704.113
• Online since: December 2014
• Authors: Sisay Ayichew Workineh, Hiroshi Yamaura
• Keywords: Comfort, Computer Workstation, Ergonomics, Footrest, Mechanism Design

References

[1] Safe Work. Ergonomic Hazard of the Seated Posture,. Bulletin no. 223, 2004 [Online]. www. safemanitoba. com/uploads/bulletins/bltn233. pdf.

[2] RSIA. (2007) RSI Awareness,. [Online]. http: /www. rsi. org. uk.

[3] Sisay A. Workineh and Hiroshi Yamaura, Design of Multi-position Ergonomic Computer Workstation, in proc. Dynamics and Design Conf., Kyushu, 2013, p.80.

[4] Federal Aviation Administration, Anthropometry and Biomechanics, " Human Factors Design Standards, pp.14-1 ~ 14-27, (2009).

[5] Ronald L. Huston, Principles of Biomechanics, CRC Press, (2009).

[6] Zhong Liang Yang et. al., Evaluating Sitting Comfort with Questionnaire and Body Pressure Distribution: Overview and Design, IEEE, (2009).

[7] Doug Kokot Paul Allie, Choosing a Chair Based on Fit, Comfort and Adjustable Features 2. 1, Steelcase Inc., (2005).

[8] M.P. et. al. De Looze, Sitting Comfort and Discomfort and the Relationships with Objective Measures, Ergonomics, 46 (10), pp.985-997, (2003).

DOI: 10.1080/0014013031000121977

[9] Alan Hedge, Cornell University Ergonomics Web, Ergonomic Guidelines for Arranging a Computer Workstation, 2011. [Online]. http: /ergo. human. cornell. edu/ergoguide. html.