RESUMO
The objective of this study was to determine the match level of school furniture with student dimensions and conduct a pilot study to examine practicality of a computer-aided ergonomic analysis software with a Motion Capture System (MoCap) for the purpose of improving school furniture design process in terms of determining optimum dimensions. The research involved measuring the anthropometric data of 218 voluntary primary school students in Mugla, Turkiye and the dimensions of the existing school desks they use. The compatibility between the students' anthropometry and the existing school desks were analysed by using reference equations. Computer-aided ergonomic analysis performed only for seat and desk height. Four virtual human model and ten different school desks in various dimensions were created and evaluated according to joint reaction forces and muscle activations in three different postures by using Anybody Modelling System (AMS). The results of compatibility level showed that there were significant incompatibilities between the students' anthropometry and the existing school desks, with 80% of seat heights and 96% of desk heights being too high. Overall, in order to assess the optimal school desk dimensions, ergonomic analyses provided data indicating reduced joint reaction forces and muscle activations within the musculoskeletal system for the seat and desk height dimensions determined using reference equations. Also, the findings from the ergonomic analysis revealed valuable information on how even minor dimensional modifications to school desks can affect the musculoskeletal system.Practitioner summary: The study examined the impact of simulating student-school desk matching in various sizes and postures within a virtual environment using computer-aided ergonomic analysis software. The analysis focused on specific local areas of the musculoskeletal system to determine optimum school desk dimensions. The results indicated that the software has a potential in facilitating school furniture design based on user's anthropometric measurements. However, a multidisciplinary team is required to make more detailed analysis.
RESUMO
This study aimed to assess the cyclic load capacity of wooden chairs and subsequently categorize them based on their performance. A diverse selection of chair models was randomly procured from commercial markets. These chairs underwent performance testing, utilizing the cyclic stepped increasing loading method, with adherence to the standards set forth by the American Library Association Technology Reports (ALA). The study evaluated 315 chairs, encompassing 21 chair models. Each chair model underwent five replications of testing across three different loading directions. The resulting dataset of numerical values was subjected to statistical analyses, facilitating the categorization of chairs based on their strength under cyclic loads. Notably, the study revealed substantial variations in the load capacity among different chair models. As a consequence of this investigation, the study established acceptable design load thresholds. For instance, concerning front-to-back loading, it was determined that the chairs with cyclic load capacities ranging from 932 to 1449 N fell within the category of low-strength, between 1450 and 1968 N were classified as medium-strength (suitable for domestic use), and the chairs with cyclic load capacities exceeding 1968 N were considered to possess high strength (intended for hotel lobbies, restaurants, libraries, etc.). Similarly, for back-to-front loading performance, the study identified the chairs with cyclic load capacities between 625 and 895 N as low-strength, 896 and 1167 N as medium-strength, and the chairs with loads surpassing 1168 N as high-strength. The performance thresholds for side thrust loads were as follows: low-strength encompassed the cyclic load capacities ranging from 649 to 934 N, medium-strength spanned the cyclic load capacities between 935 and 1221 N, and high-strength entailed 1222 N and above. Notably, the classification devised in this study is closely aligned with the widely accepted and internationally recognized ALA specification. This strong consistency with global standards reinforces the reliability and applicability of the classification system developed in this research. In conclusion, this study enhances understanding of wooden chair strength performance and offers practical insights that lead to higher-quality products and improved consumer satisfaction. Its recommendations can potentially drive positive change within the industry and benefit manufacturers and consumers.
