Dynamic Motion Visualization 11 x 17 Posters

COMMONINJURIES

ENVIRONMENTALCONSIDERATIONS In addition to considering the user’s anthropometry, attention must also be given to the task and the environment in which the user will be working. Initially, a competitive product comparison is conducted to research exisiting options for the current hose nozzle market (see next page). The benefits and impediments of representative models are discussed and design opportunities are delineated from that analysis. Next the process of watering is analyzed and the dynamic muscle groups are determined by creating usage sequence diagrams. Additionally, research is conducted to determine the likely injuries and the effect of design on those injuries. Finally, conclusions are drawn from the results.

Common injuries that occur while using a hose nozzle include lower back injuries (see 1.a), carpal tunnel syndrome (see 2.b), shoulder impingement injuries (see 3.c), and tendonitis such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow, see 4.d).i Lower back injuries are typically caused by stiff muscles and improper lifting technique—lifting with the back instead of with the legs. Carpel tunnel and tennis elbow injuries are the resultants of repetitive motion,ii such as sweeping a nozzle while watering the garden. Shoulder impingement injuries can also occur as the result of reptitive motion, especially for overhead movements.iii Many of these injuries could be avoided by an ergonomic design which suggests proper use and eliminates fatigue through a trigger locking device.

HOSENOZZLE

USAGESEQUENCE y

Shown below are the typical exercises performed while using a standard garden hose nozzle. The diagrams depict (1) lifting the nozzle off the ground with a distributed load from the hose itself growing as it is lifted, (2) changing the elevation of the nozzle in the y direction, (3) changing the angle of the nozzle in the x-z plane (rotate about y-axis), (4) changing the rotation of the nozzle (rotate about the x axis)

a

z

3

2

1

x

TIM TOCCI | PROF. V.P. HJELTNESS | 10 JAN 2010 IDUS 221: HUMAN FACTORS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 4

erector spinae

deltoid (medial)

gluteus maximus

trapezius

c

bicep

bicep

forearm flexors hamstring

b bicep

forearm flexors

metacarpal flexors

deltoid (medial)

deltoid (posterior)

metacarpal flexors

latissimus dorsi (lats)

tricep

forearm flexors metacarpal flexors

forearm metacarpal flexors flexors d

PRODUCTCOMPARISON

Gilmour Zinc Pistol Grip

Dramm Revolver

Bon-Aire Ultimate Hose Nozzle

Orbit XL-Stream Nozzle

To understand the existing market and avoid reinventing the wheel, a simple competitive product analysis is performed. Initially I visited Home Depot to examine the tactile features of the respective nozzles. After reviewing their physical properties and basic functionality, I continued my analysis by researching the products online to determine how users are responding to the various designs. Surprisingly, users seem to be the most disappointed in the most expensive model, suggesting that satisfaction and price are not correlated when purchasing a hose nozzle.

price user rating

$7.08 (amazon) | 3 reviews

$11.84 (amazon) | 16 reviews

$14.99 (amazon) | 191 reviews

$25.38 (amazon) | 6 reviews

materials

zinc body, brass stem

die-cast metal,fiberglass lever, elastomer grip

aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, rubber

metal, polymer handle

male threaded nozzle cap, trigger-lock

nine-pattern spray nozzle: fan, cone, center, jet, mist, soaker, flat, angle, and shower

five-pattern spray nozzle, two-way shut off

adjustable spray concentration and volume via rings

pros

inexpensive, conventional design leads to consistency

variety of spraying options for multiple watering tasks

triggerless design leads to reduced grip fatigue

firehose nozzle emulation leads to more control

cons

grip can be slippery when wet and become uncomfortable after long periods of use

durability concerns: powder coated finish fades, plastic inner parts wear out

no instant off

requires two hands to turn nozzle on and off

trigger requires two hands, positive user reviews

lifetime guarantee, 6 color options, positive user reviews

1-year warranty, positive user reviews

bale (u-shaped lever) helpful for arthritic gardeners, poor customer reviews

features

DESIGNOPP Current designs offer a trigger-locking function by means of a triangular wire which can be rotated to prop the handle in the open position. Unfortunately, placement of this feature requires either two hands or a long and adroit index finger. An easier locking mechanism could resemble the safety feature on a firearm, where a cylinder is positioned by either the thumb or index finger. Another solution could resemble the pinky finger loop shown above.

remarks

HOSENOZZLE TIM TOCCI | PROF. V.P. HJELTNESS | 21 JAN 2010 IDUS 221: HUMAN FACTORS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

PHASE2CONCLUSIONS The results from the analysis indicate that an ergonomic garden hose nozzle should account for repetive watering motions such as sweeping, rotating, elevating, and lowering the nozzle. In consideration of these motions and common injuries associated with gardening, experiments will be conducted in phase 3 to determine the limits of these motions. Finally, competitive product analysis reveals the simplicity and durability are key consumer values.