Virtual ergonomics evaluation of a design concept of manual powered portable paddy thresher suitable for hilly region agriculture

Abstract

In the north-eastern states of India, paddy threshing is mostly carried out by traditional methods (such as bullock treading; beating by hand; crushing by foot, etc.) which require an enormous physical effort. These discomfited situations expose workers to many risk factors from ergonomics viewpoint. Therefore, it has been perceived that there is a necessity for systematic design and development towards low cost, manually operated, portable thresher considering the contextual need and topo-geographical conditions. The present research demonstrates the development of a concept CAD model of a portable pedal operated paddy thresher and evaluates the model through virtual ergonomic assessment. For virtual ergonomic evaluation of the CAD model of the thresher, customized digital manikins (5th, 50th and 95th percentile models of both male and female) were created in DELMIA software. These manikins represent anthropometric dimensions of the Assamese agricultural worker population. Postural comfort evaluation in virtual environment revealed that the proposed model was found to be acceptable. Following virtual ergonomic evaluation, it is expected that the development of real physical prototype would certainly be cost effective, user-friendly and efficient for small and marginal farmers in the rural area.