With the proliferation of the Windows graphical user interface and 3D CAD workstations, workload on the engineer's mouse hand has tripled in the last decade. "Ergonomic consultants estimate that a typical engineer performs a minimum of 50% more mouse clicks and large mouse movements than an average office worker," says Joyce Ouellette, senior VP at Labtec (Lowell, MA). "And 15-30% of engineers report some kind of repetitive-stress related pain."
Symmetrical designs can't be optimized for both right and left hand ergonomics.
That's why Labtec's 3D Motion Control Group (formerly Spacetec IMC Corp.) designed the fourth generation Spaceball 4000 FLX (based on patented PowerSensor opto-mechanical force and torque sensor technology) from the ground up. The design team included 3D professionals from over 80 companies around the globe, and an industrial design firm. In addition ergonomic design specialists provided continuous quantitative and qualitative ergonomic analysis throughout every phase of the design process. Result: the only 3D input device designed and tested to surpass industry ergonomic standards.
Spaceball 4000 FLX lends a hand to design engineers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) constitute the largest number of job-related injuries and illness problems in the United States. Consequently, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), proposed rules late last year that will, if approved, compose the most significant worker safety law of the last decade. The proposal is OSHA's first formal attempt to do what some employers already have done: Establish programs that limit employee exposure to working conditions that could contribute to MSD's--injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the spine. These include back pain, carpal-tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis.
As the world changes, jobs change and so do the types of work-related injuries. So why shouldn't an engineer whose wrist could be crippled by repetitive stress related injuries rate the same on-the-job safety protection as a coal miner or steelworker?
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
