Open AccessEvaluation of Newly Developed Easy-Open Assistive Devices for Pneumatic Tube System Carriers for the Reduction of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Author(s) -
Tzu-I Chien,
Huey-Wen Liang,
Ya-Fen Lee,
Fei-Yun Liu,
Chi-Kwang Hsu,
Shao-Tseng Liu,
Mo Siu-Mei Lee,
Pin-Fei Wei
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
biomed research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 126
eISSN - 2314-6141
pISSN - 2314-6133
DOI - 10.1155/2021/8853602
Subject(s) - musculoskeletal disorder , work (physics) , human factors and ergonomics , computer science , medicine , engineering , poison control , mechanical engineering , medical emergency
Musculoskeletal disorders may affect labor efficiency, cause disability, impair one's work ability, and lower one's quality of life. This consequently leads to a larger expenditure of medical resources. We aimed to design easy-to-open assistive devices for pneumatic tube systems to improve ergonomics and reduce musculoskeletal complaints of workers. We followed a design control process, including designs of motors, gears, sensors, and V-shaped connecting rods. Efficacy was evaluated by examining risks based on job strain index, user satisfaction, and musculoskeletal complaints of operators before and after the system's implementation on a Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. We designed three assistive devices: two semiautomatic and one automatic. Each semiautomatic device costs about 300 US dollars and required space of 10 × 18 × 38 cm 3 . The automatic device costs about 3000 US dollars and required space of 28 × 38 × 50 cm 3 . The job strain index score decreased from 36 (very high risk) to 3 (low risk) with the semiautomatic devices and to 0 with the automatic device. Musculoskeletal complaints in the neck and upper limbs were reduced, with a significantly higher satisfaction rate for female operators. Our novel design of an automatic cap opening device for a pneumatic tube system was effective in improving ergonomics and reducing musculoskeletal complaints.